Lifestyle Factors That Can Hit Mental Health Hard
I know it’s not always going to be easy to tackle this stuff when you’re in the depths of mental illness, but when you’re feeling well enough, if you can avoid these negative lifestyle factors, chances are you will feel at least a little bit better. So, without further ado, here are the lifestyle factors that can hit mental health hard:
Lack of Activity
Exercise can be seriously impossible to do when you’re feeling really unwell, but a lack of activity can make things feel much worse because you may gain weight and you won’t be getting the benefits of endorphins coursing through your body. So, whenever you feel able, move around more, even if that just means walking around the block with a friend.
Loneliness
Again, it’s difficult because a lot of people who struggle with mental illness naturally tend to isolate themselves from everything and everyone, but all that does is make matters worse. Being able to talk to someone, get a hug when you need one and just feel like you are part of someone else’s life and they yours is so good for mental and physical health. That’s why we are seeing more stay at home mums and lonely old people become depressed - something that having care at home or family and friends visiting more frequently can help with. It is also why, calling a friend, even if only for a few minutes, or even better getting out and about seeing people you love, whenever you feel up to it, will undoubtedly have a positive effect on your mental health.
Smoking
We all know that smoking is really bad for us for so many reasons - cancer, heart disease, etc. - but did you know that it can also have a negative effect on mental health? Nearly 50 percent of people with mental health issues smoke and many say they do so because it helps to ‘take the edge off’ their symptoms, but research has shown that those who are able to kick the habit, despite some initial problems, almost always experience a boost to their mental health as a result. So, if you smoke, you might want to see a smoking cessation expert. It couldn’t hurt to try!
Again, it’s difficult because a lot of people who struggle with mental illness naturally tend to isolate themselves from everything and everyone, but all that does is make matters worse. Being able to talk to someone, get a hug when you need one and just feel like you are part of someone else’s life and they yours is so good for mental and physical health. That’s why we are seeing more stay at home mums and lonely old people become depressed - something that having care at home or family and friends visiting more frequently can help with. It is also why, calling a friend, even if only for a few minutes, or even better getting out and about seeing people you love, whenever you feel up to it, will undoubtedly have a positive effect on your mental health.
Smoking
We all know that smoking is really bad for us for so many reasons - cancer, heart disease, etc. - but did you know that it can also have a negative effect on mental health? Nearly 50 percent of people with mental health issues smoke and many say they do so because it helps to ‘take the edge off’ their symptoms, but research has shown that those who are able to kick the habit, despite some initial problems, almost always experience a boost to their mental health as a result. So, if you smoke, you might want to see a smoking cessation expert. It couldn’t hurt to try!
Poor Diet
Eating a poor diet, we also know is bad for our waistline and physical health, but again, it is also bad for mental health too. If you eat lots of processed with little nutritional value, not only are you likely to gain weight, which can affect low self-esteem all on its own, but you probably won’t get enough healthy brain Omega-3 and six fatty acids, which feed the brain and help to boost mood.
If you can eliminate (or at least minimize) these habits from your life, you are likely to feel a whole lot better - just check with your doctor before making any serious changes!
Whatever changes you make, make sure you are making them for yourself and make yourself happy!
Much Love
Mumma
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*This Is A Collaborative Post*
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