We live in a society where stress is the norm, and coping with it isn’t always easy. If you’re looking for some easy ways to help reduce the effects of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without seeing a doctor, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight natural mental health boosters to try out.
- Take CBD Oil
Full spectrum CBD oil has been found to offer numerous mental health benefits. It may help ease anxiety and depression. It can also help you get a better night’s sleep if you suffer from insomnia. There’s also strong evidence that suggests it can help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children.
Although it’s a safe option for most people, be sure to talk to your doctor before starting CBD oil.
An excellent alternative to CBD oil is functional mushroom supplements. Mushroom Revival explains that functional mushrooms can help support mental clarity, memory, and focus. Like CBD, functional mushrooms aren’t psychoactive.
- Get Enough Exercise
If you want to improve your overall mental health, one of the best things you can do for yourself is exercise. Research has found that getting a moderate amount of exercise can help reduce depression. Walking, running, cycling, and swimming have been found to offer the most benefit.
If you want, you can always exercise with a personal trainer. Personal trainers will be able to help you understand what exercises and routines would be best for your mental health. Many personal trainers also use an online platform such as PT Distinction to manage their clientele and create customized programs for each individual. This way, you can exercise without leaving your home’s comfort.
- Make a Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
Listening to upbeat, cheerful songs is a natural mood booster we can all take advantage of. Some of the mental health benefits of listening to music include stress and anxiety reduction, emotion regulation, and focus improvement. Creating a playlist of your favorite songs can be all it takes to get in a better mood.
- Focus on Gratitude
Focusing on things we’re thankful for can help us feel better about the situations we’re currently facing. Try writing down just five things a day that you’re appreciative of. It can go a long way for your mental health.
- Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids Into Your Diet
Studies have found that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids are linked to lower levels of depression. This includes postpartum depression.
Consider taking a fish oil supplement or adding more fish containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel, into your diet. Walnuts are another great source of omega-3s.
- Try Yoga or Meditation
Both yoga and meditation are practices that promote mindfulness, which has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Yoga and meditation have also been found to reduce insomnia. They may help make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Incorporating 30 minutes of mindfulness into your day can go a long way in terms of your mental health.
- Get Into a Better Sleep Routine
Getting a good night’s rest can help improve your mental health. The right routine can even help improve your insomnia. Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up around the same time every day. Avoid eating heavy meals or consuming alcohol too close to bedtime. Be sure to turn off all electronics, including TVs and phones, at least an hour before you go to sleep.
- Call Your Friends More Often
Or get together in person. Nowadays, many of us spend most of our time behind a computer or phone screen and don’t make enough time for social connections in real life. This is alarming because talking — and laughing — with friends plays an important role in our mental health. Schedule a coffee or brunch date with your bestie and reap the mental health benefits.
These are just eight natural mood boosters anyone can try out at home. If you don’t experience an improvement in your mental health symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor about treatment options. In some cases, therapy or antidepressants might be necessary.
