8 Natural Wellness Habits That Will Keep You Mentally Healthy and Happy
You can improve your mental health and happiness by making simple, natural wellness changes to your everyday life. Here are eight habits you can adopt that won’t add an extra minute to your day but will make all the difference in how you think and feel
1) Eat Well
The saying you are what you eat couldn’t be more true—and that goes for your brain as well. High in saturated fats and sugars, processed foods can negatively affect your mood, memory, and cognitive function. So it’s best to follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein sources such as fish or chicken. To keep it natural – check out some of our favourite recipes!
2) Exercise
Not only does regular exercise keep you healthy physically, but it also helps you maintain a positive attitude. Even if you aren’t an endurance athlete, physical activity is worth your time. The benefits range from improving mood to increasing productivity. Make working out part of your wellness routine so that your mental health keeps pace with your physical well-being.
3) Connect with Nature
Have you ever noticed how you feel different when you’re outside in nature versus inside? The air is fresher; there are fewer people, your brain feels more relaxed. The natural world has therapeutic properties that we often don’t realize—but it’s time to prioritize them.
4) Get Enough Sleep
Studies show that a lack of sleep can lead to anxiety, irritability, and depression. Aim for 7-9 hours each night. If you’re struggling to get enough shut-eye, try these techniques:
– Go to bed at a consistent time every night;
– Avoid screen time an hour before bed;
– Stick to a pre-bed ritual like reading or meditating.
5) Mindfulness Exercises
Health professionals agree that staying mentally healthy is essential for your well-being as maintaining a physically active lifestyle. Try out some of these natural wellness habits
6) Meditate
A recent study in Mindfulness found that meditation can help lower stress levels, including self-reported stress levels. Meditation can also help improve your mood, decrease negative emotions, and enhance positive emotions. So sit back, close your eyes, take a deep breath—and enjoy feeling happy!
7) Prioritize Self-Care
One of your greatest weapons against mental health issues, like anxiety or depression, is also one of your most superficial: self-care. It sounds simple, but it’s easy to forget that we need to take time for ourselves every day—and even easier to let all sorts of seemingly more important tasks (like working or going out with friends) get in our way.
8) Observe Your Thoughts
The mind-body connection is accurate, and how you think about your body can directly impact how your body feels. When you feel connected to your thoughts, it’s easier to spot negative self-talk; learning to observe these thoughts objectively will help you change them. Try journaling or meditating each morning before you start your day. It doesn’t matter what form it takes—focus on watching your thoughts without judgment. Ask yourself: What are my negative self-thoughts?
