Mental health, as defined by WHO, is physical, mental and social well-being.
How to be in good mental shape? Here are 5 tips for staying mentally healthy.
1. Eat healthy food
As corny as it may sound, eating a healthy diet is of paramount importance to mental health. Disruption of the intestinal bacterial flora can lead to nervousness and undue anxiety.
Consuming sweets can also cause serious mental health damage. Stress eating them only worsens the situation - the joy will be only visible and short-lived. Therefore, to cope with stress, it is better to eat foods rich in tryptophan, an amino acid necessary for the synthesis of serotonin. As a snack, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, bananas, avocados and dried dates are suitable.
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) also affects mental health. Its deficiency leads to disorders of the nervous system, which are manifested, among other things, in a deterioration well-being, memory problems, apathy, insomnia, depression and irritability, especially in children. Rich sources of pyridoxine include meat, peppers, spinach, sprouts, kale, and citrus fruits.
2. Sleep well
Mental health is directly related to sleep. Experts note that more and more people, including children and adolescents, experience sleep problems. Lack of sleep leads to a loss of energy, a negative attitude towards the world.
In addition, lack of sleep not only robs the joy of life, but also leads to cognitive impairment, irritability and reduced vitality. Getting enough sleep is one of the most important aspects of mental health.
3. Think positively
It is very important to be positive about reality. The main reason you feel unhappy is not the problem itself, but constantly thinking about it.
4. Drink plenty of water
Water resources are essential for mental health. Headaches, irritability and even depression are largely due to a lack of fluid in the body. There is no better thirst-quenching and healthy drink than regular water.
If you don't like the taste of pure water, you can add a slice of lemon or orange, as well as mint or lemon balm leaves.
5. Be physically active
A sedentary lifestyle not only increases the risk of overweight and obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and general weakness, but also worsens mental health. Therefore, it is so important to find time every day for walking, cycling or simple exercises, preferably outdoors.
