Recently and more prevalently on social media, there’s been an increase in the mention of mental health and its general implication on individuals and society at large. This is due to the rise in the number of mental health cases worldwide and people’s willingness to open up about their personal mental health struggles.

Undoubtedly, the state of your mental health can affect your entire well-being- positively if it’s in a good place and negatively if it’s in a bad state; this is why we’ve compiled five tips to help you boost your mental health and live a good life.

Avoid self-criticism

It is often said that we are our own biggest critics. This is fine, however, it can take its toll on your mental health. Excessive self-criticism can lead to feelings of self-doubt, hopelessness, and in the long run-a mental breakdown.

Spend time with the people you love

Find those that make you feel good about yourself and spend time with them as often as you can. Stay away totally or reduce the time you spend with people that make you feel depressed or over-anxious. Positive vibes from loved ones can help you calm down especially when you’re stressed or having a bad day.

Prioritize yourself

Sometimes we give so much of ourselves to others, that we don’t have enough left for ourselves. When it comes to your mental health, learn to put yourself first. Take out time to do things you really love, and not only things you have to do. It can be simple activities like riding a bicycle, taking a walk, going on a trip, buying your favorite meal, and so on. Live for yourself too and No, that doesn’t make you selfish.

Eat healthy and Exercise

Studies show that the kind of food we eat has an impact not only on our physical health but also on our mental health.  When you eat healthily, you look and feel healthy. Avoid junk food, excessive alcohol, processed food, etc. as much as you can. In the same vein, aerobic exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, etc. have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. Good food with a good amount of exercise fuels your body and your mind.

Relax!

If you find yourself always stressed out and fatigued whether due to pressure at home, work, or anywhere else, this message is for you. Just as the popular TikTok slang goes, you need to “Relaxxxxxx”. When you don’t step back and take a break, you become involved in a continuous hustle cycle that can take a toll on your mental health, and eventually lead to a breakdown. Even when it’s hard for you to do, prioritize relaxation. Take a break from work, your phone, your family, and any other thing or people when necessary, to reduce your stress levels.

This list is not exhaustive and if you ever feel like you’re losing control of your emotions and/or slipping into depression, please seek help and talk to a professional therapist. We care deeply about the mental health of our enrollees, please call us 0n 0700-CALL-LW-HMO (0700-2255-59-466) if you’re depressed, suicidal, or in need of professional counseling or treatment.