With the modern pressures of a working lifestyle, it can be surprisingly easy to let your mental health fall by the wayside. Replying to emails and answering phone calls become your first priority, and before you know it, your brain isn’t functioning the way it should be. That’s why it’s vital to maintain your mental health, and there are many natural ways you can do this. We’ve put together 5 natural therapies to improve your mind’s wellbeing, for even the busiest of lifestyles.
1. Exercise
Getting physical not only keeps you in shape, but it works wonders for your mental health as well. It’s been proven that regular exercise reduces inflammation, reduces stress, improves blood flow and circulation, and releases endorphins. Endorphins are the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, which is why people often feel a sense of clarity and calm after exercise.
2. Massage
As you get older, it’s not uncommon to suffer from aches and pains due to everyday activities and exercise. Not only is massage a great way to relax, but it also aids in releasing tension and encouraging muscle and tissue repair. Whether you’re seeking remedial or relaxation massage, the massage therapists in Glen Huntly can help you find a treatment that will cater to your wants and needs.
3. Diet
The way your mind and body is operating has an indisputably strong link with the fuel you are feeding yourself. A busy, working lifestyle can often mean late night take-out, copious amounts of coffee, and too many friday night knock-off drinks. Although these things are acceptable in moderation, it’s important that you listen to your body, and feed yourself with as much fresh fruit, vegetables, fibre and good quality protein as possible. You only get out what you put in!
4. Sleep
Sleep is how you rest, repair, and re-group. Your body exhausts itself each and every day, after which proper rest is paramount. Without adequate sleep, the risk of illness increases, including mental conditions. However, too much sleep can be detrimental. So what is the magic number of sleep per night? Studies consistently show that 7-8 hours of restful sleep per night is the optimal rest required.
5. Meditation
Many businesspeople may already practice this one! Meditation – especially mindfulness meditation – is wonderful way to feel better mentally. Centreing yourself and focusing on what you can taste, touch, hear and smell is a great way to bring yourself back to the present and focus on the task at hand. Moreover, it has been proven that meditation can, in fact, relieve stress, anxiety, or depression.
Life can be so hectic, that sometimes you can look to anything to help you cope. A busy and stressful life can not only break down your physical body, but it can deteriorate your mental health as well. In order to recharge your batteries and avoid a case of burnout, you must work in conjunction with your body. Exercise and massage are a great way to move your muscles and create a natural release of endorphins. As well as this, the way you treat your body – regarding diet, sleep and regular meditation – affects your mind as well. Keeping your mind and body happy can seem like no easy feat, but once the patterns are in place and you start to feel the benefits, you won’t be able to stop!