With all the uncertainty in the world today there seems to be growing interest for improving mental health. Wars, rumors of wars, threats of nuclear activity, financial instability, bankruptcies and foreclosures are just a few of the reasons our mental security is being challenged, which may lead to chronic depression. Trained professionals are the ones who deal with patients with mental illnesses. But there are things you can do to brighten your mental outlook during challenging times.
Changing your perception of circumstances to one more optimistic, i.e., the glass-half-full principle, can help improve your mental health. Let's look at three tips for improvement that many believe are the necessary foundation to be that high-energy, upbeat and positive person everyone loves to be around.
First, consider your diet. Not some crash diet to lose weight, rather what nutrients are you giving to your body to function during the day.
The body is designed to function at its best when receiving nutrients from a balanced diet. This means all the food groups, in moderation. Too much of any one group can be detrimental to your health. Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, fruit rich in flavonoids, like blueberries, and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, is a good place to start. There are books written on nutrition, specifically for the brain, but way too much to cover here. Suffice it to say, proper nutrition is extremely important for brain health.
Secondly, expose your mind to positive reinforcement the first thing every day. Instead of turning on a news channel or picking up the morning paper, or both, as you eat breakfast, read or listen to something inspirational. This can be a book of poetry, inspiring verse from a religious book, or even a devotional video. Ideally, do this before exposure to anything else in the morning and it will set a positive tone for the entire day. And then meditate on what you have read or seen. The brain is a wonderfully designed organ that, in essence, reflects who we are. It has the capacity to store everything you experience by your senses. We ultimately become what we allow our senses to experience.
The last tip seems simple but is very important; surround yourself with like people, uplifting and positive, to grow and inspire each other. This one tip alone can make a dramatic change in your mental health. Let me share a personal experience. In our family is a dear lady who is 96 years old and is one of the most positive upbeat persons I've ever met. Her advice to me once was, when you're feeling down and sorry for yourself, go out and find some person in need and help them. Helping someone helps you to understand the true meaning of friendship.
When is the best time to try these three tips? Now, and every morning and day for the rest of your life! You'll improve the mental attitude of those around you, including yourself.
So feed your brain the nutrients it needs to function optimally and let your senses, particularly through your eyes and ears, inspire you every day. And the third tip will happen almost automatically because people will want to be with you and share in your positive outlook.
Improving mental health can encompass a lot more than these three tips. I'm retired from the medical industry and appreciate the need to stay mentally sharp. I wish I had pursued this topic many years ago.
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