When it comes to health and wellness, most people think about their physical body. Eating right and exercising regularly are habits that come to mind instantly, but our health and wellness is more than that. Our mind is just as important as our body and paying close attention to our mental health ranks right up there with heart health.
Our minds and bodies are interconnected and the health and welfare of one impact the health of the other. You may have a wonderfully fit physique but if your mind isn’t healthy as well, there could be problems on the horizon.
In the same way we create micro habits to influence our physical health, we can create small habits to boost our mental health too.
Many habits can help-
- Regulate mood
- Inspire and promote creativity
- Fight issues like depression and anxiety
- Prevent cognitive decline
Here are some top tips for creating micro habits for your mental health
Engage in activities that bring you joy
From blasting your favorite play list while driving the back roads, to running a weekend 5k, doing activities you love impacts your mind. Developing a micro habit like engaging in weekly ‘me-time’ can make a big difference in your mental health.
Learn to breathe
Breathing exercises can help regulate mood, heartbeat, and reduce stress and anxiety. Make a micro habit of deep breathing exercises before, during, and after challenging experiences. Taking a moment to engage in a breathing exercise only takes a moment and can make all the difference during a difficult time.
Play games and complete puzzles
Doing brain teasers, games, or puzzles can help prevent cognitive decline and keep your mind active. Make the Sunday crossword puzzle a micro habit you enjoy each weekend or play Words with Friends to unwind and keep your mind fresh.
Enjoy bouts of creativity
Our minds love to be creative. Whether you love painting, writing, or any other creative outlet, create a micro habit that allows you the time and freedom to be creative. If you engage in a serious line of work, creativity can be even more important to offset the stress that often accompanies stringent types of work. Your mind is just as important as your body and finding ways to keep your mind healthy should be a priority.
Develop micro habits that help you unwind, play, and boost your mental health.