Did you know that more than 450 million people worldwide are struggling with mental disorders? Over 300 million suffer from depression. Last year alone, 10.3 million Americans experienced a major depressive episode that caused severe impairment. Poor mental health can affect every area of your life, including your career, relationships, and social behavior.
Every day, we seek ways to improve our health and well-being. Sometimes, diet and nutrition are not enough. Stress, poor lift, and lack of mental exercise may impair brain function and memory. To enjoy good mental health, it's necessary to look beyond exercise and diet.
Interested to find out more? Here are a few ways to elevate your mood and keep your brain sharp until late in life:
Every day, we seek ways to improve our health and well-being. Sometimes, diet and nutrition are not enough. Stress, poor lift, and lack of mental exercise may impair brain function and memory. To enjoy good mental health, it's necessary to look beyond exercise and diet.
Interested to find out more? Here are a few ways to elevate your mood and keep your brain sharp until late in life:
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
Spending time in nature is one of the best ways to ward off stress and find inner peace. This simple habit lowers the stress hormone cortisol levels and boosts cognition. It also improves creativity and promotes mental well-being.
Outdoor walks are always great! Fresh air, exercise, and nature can always lift your mood.
Commit to spending at least 15 minutes outdoors every day. Take a long walk, go jogging, or meditate in a quiet green area. If you're under a lot of stress, plan an active holiday in the mountains or at the seaside. It might be exactly what you need to lift your mood and calm your mind.
PLAY GAMES
Games are not just for children. In fact, they're just as beneficial for grownups. Sudoku, board games, crossword puzzles, and even video games increase attention span and boost learning abilities. Think of them as exercise for your brain.
Stimulate your brain while family bonding by playing board games.
As you age, your memory declines and your brains begins to slow down. For this reason, you need to constantly stimulate it. Brain games can help you focus better at work, make faster decisions, and find solutions to your problems. In the long run, they improve memory and may prevent cognitive decline.
USE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
 |
Your thoughts shape your reality. How you think about yourself can impact your mood, confidence, and behavior. Psychologists recommend using positive affirmations for good reason. It's one of the best ways to strengthen the neural pathways that influence mental well-being and self-esteem.
Start by writing down your strengths. Remind yourself that you don’t have to be perfect. Next, make a list of positive affirmations based on your strength and life goals. For instance, you could tell yourself things like: Every day, I'm closer to my dream career. Failure only makes me stronger and opens up new opportunities. Practice positive affirmations in the morning, before bedtime, or whenever it works best for you. The key is to make a habit out of it. |
TAKE A BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY
Take a break from technology by cooking a meal with family and friends together.
In this hyperconected era, we have everything we need at our fingertips. We can chat with people from all around the world with a click of a button, get the latest news in real time, and find information online within seconds. Yet, we're sick and prone to depression.
Modern technology is a double-edged sword. Even though it makes our lives easier, it also keeps us from actually living. For instance, researchers have linked social media to poor self-esteem, depressive symptoms, paranoia, and anxiety.
Modern technology is a double-edged sword. Even though it makes our lives easier, it also keeps us from actually living. For instance, researchers have linked social media to poor self-esteem, depressive symptoms, paranoia, and anxiety.
|
Another concern is the so-called FOMO, which stands for the Fear of Missing Out. This psychological and social phenomenon is what causes social media addiction.
Don’t be afraid to turn off your PC and smartphone once in a while. Take a short technology break every day by doing other activities, such as reading a book or tending your gardens. |
 Old fashion reading is just as rewarding.
|
Set limits on your daily Internet usage so you can mentally disconnect from social media, email, and online apps. It’s one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. You’ll not only feel more positive and energetic but also keep your brain sharp and get your creative juices flowing.