Every single person experiences stress in their daily lives, but unfortunately, everyone’s stress is not equal to the next person’s. Some may experience mild stress levels… whereas on the other hand, some people, if not most, have intense stress levels, which may affect their health, happiness, and other areas of their lives.

Have you ever been so stressed that you forgot about eating healthy? Or do you skip your routine exercises because you vowed to work overtime tonight? We’ve all been there, and it’s not worth it to beat yourself up about it. Perhaps all you need is some positive encouragement and reminders.

Now, it doesn’t matter if you’re 25 or 75, to keep a healthy mind is absolutely necessary! After all, a strong mind will lead you to live a fulfilling life. Therefore, we’re encouraging you today to prioritise mental health self-care and check out these fantastic ways to keep your mind healthy.

Sweat It Out

Choose an activity that fits well with who you are and how you live, and sweat it out! When working out, your body releases endorphins that can truly make you feel happier. If it’s walking the dogs or pumping some iron, just get and keep moving. Set some triggers as reminders for yourself; for example, when walking each morning, set your sneakers beside your bed the night before. Spotting the shoes first thing will cue you to lace up and get moving. Or, if you decide to perform some yoga poses after work, set out your Trojan Yoga Mat before you leave for work in the morning.

Challenge Ya Mind!

The brain is a muscle, which means it needs daily exercise too. We’re getting older by the day, and yes, it does affect your brain but learning and experiencing new things is a great way to challenge your brain. It can also reduce the risk for diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The list of challenges are endless, but again, choose one that fits you – learn about the unknown, learn to play a musical instrument, study a foreign language, learn a new art form, try using your other hand (not the dominant one) for simple things like writing, drawing, or eating… Perhaps you need to switch lanes in terms of your career; it’s never too late to study a new field. Maybe your answer is to travel and learn about different cultures, and breaking out of your routine sharpen the mind?

Skip The Junk Food & Fluid

Your body and brain’s connection is a strong one. Too much sugar and unnatural fats can make you feel tired, slow, and cloud your brain. Skip the junk and stick with your favourite fruits, veggies and lean proteins. Encourage yourself to start eating breakfast because it’s the best meal for the guy upstairs. Ensure to include antioxidants, fish, avo, whole grains, olive oil, onions, and superfoods. The same goes for beverages – leave the alcohol, the litres of coffee and the soda drinks… We assure you, water is not as bad as everyone else (who doesn’t drink it) makes it out to be.

Cut Yourself Some Slack

The world won’t end if you decide not to do something you’ve been doing every day. Try it, you’ll see! Rest a bit, breath, and realise that you can’t carry all of life’s sh*t on your shoulders… Keep touch with your emotions, take a long soaking bubble bath (nothing less!), meditate or practise breathing exercises if you must, but have some fun, and yes! think positive thoughts… sleep well and even get yourself a puppy – because you deserve a few rays of sunshine.

A healthy mind is the foundation of a healthy life. Take the chance and keep your brain in tip-top shape this year!