Mental Health Routines For A Happier Life
Routines have a significant impact on our daily lives. Developing daily routines that include activities you enjoy can have a tremendous impact on your mood. But how do you create a routine that can fit into your daily schedule and what should it include?
The reason why routines are so important is that they tell your mind what to expect throughout the day. You might have to remind yourself to do something initially but it will eventually become a habit. The result is that you’ll experience less stress and anxiety while enjoying your life.
There are two different types of routines; primary routines and secondary routines. Primary routines are activities that you require, like brushing your teeth, showering, drinking, and eating. The most important primary routine is sleeping. Getting enough sleep throughout the night is essential for your mental and physical well-being.
Secondary routines are activities that are not necessary to live but can improve your mental state. This can be meditation, yoga, or exercise. The purpose of these activities is to focus on yourself. The problem many people face is that these secondary routines get pushed aside for primary routines.
You can focus on your secondary routines by incorporating some into your primary routine. Adding these activities to your primary routine will ensure that you still enjoy them. Building significantly onto your primary routine in a short amount of time can cause you to become overwhelmed. The key to building these habits and adding to your primary routine is to do so slowly, adding one task at a time.
Now that you know the importance of creating a daily mental health routine, you might be wondering what you can do. Here are four tips to create a helpful and healthy daily mental health routine.
4 Ways to Include Secondary Routines Into Your Day
1. Movement
Movement can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health. It can boost your mood by releasing endorphins. Some of the movement activities you can use include walking, swimming, or biking.
2. 10 minutes of “me time”
With all the time you spend focusing on work and others, it can be easy to neglect yourself. Spending time focusing on your mental state can relieve stress and anxiety. Just 10 minutes a day doing something you enjoy or clearing your mind can have a tremendous impact on your mental health.
3. Mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness is being aware of what is around you. Most people are in such a hurry that they don’t enjoy the feeling of water rushing over their hands, the taste of good food, or the beauty of a summer afternoon. Taking the time to recognize these things will allow you to savor the small moments in life that usually pass us by.
Meditation is fixating within yourself. This fixation can be focused on your breathing, your heart rate, or an object. This can be used as a relaxation technique, giving your brain a break and refreshing your mind.
4. Nutrition
When most people think about nutrition, weight loss comes to mind. But your nutrition affects more than just your physical health. Eating fruits and vegetables can regulate your digestive system, improving your mood. Healthy eating habits can also increase your energy, making you happier as you’ll be able to complete everything you want to do in a given day.
To improve your nutrition, eat foods that are rich in omega-3s, supplements rich in fish oil, and B12 vitamins. Other things you can do include drinking more water, which flushes the bad ingredients out of your system, and getting vitamin D through direct sunlight.
Most people think about what they have to do rather than what they want to do. However, including activities that you enjoy and that create a healthy lifestyle can improve your mood and make you a happier person. These tips will help you create a more productive routine.
If you’re looking to create a better overall mindset, book a free consultation through my website. You can also watch my weekly YouTube show, The Well-Balanced Mind, where I’ll provide insights into understanding your mind and behavior.
Do you find that you have anger, stress, or sadness and are looking for a change? Hypnotherapy might be a good fit for you. To schedule a consultation call, click here.