The taboos regarding mental health are slowly being broken down. Now, people can discuss mental issues far more easily and there are a huge range of resources available for anyone suffering from serious mental health concerns. For many people, staying mentally positive is a challenge, and that means finding ways to ensure that they look after their mental health a little more carefully. The good news is that there are a lot of scientifically proven ways to work towards a healthier mind, and some of the solutions might not be as hard to achieve as you might think. If you struggle with your mental health, try some of these tips and you could transform the way you look at the world.

Talk to Someone

When you talk about how you’re feeling, it can be a major part of your wellbeing and a good way to start taking more control over your mental health. That’s because vocalizing a problem makes it easier to visualize. Not only that, but having someone listen to you is an amazingly effective way to feel as if you have support, regardless of whether solutions or help are provided. It can feel awkward and uncomfortable the first time that you talk honestly about your feelings, but you should work at it if you want to start working more effectively on your positive mental health.

Get Active

Working out has the brilliant effect of releasing chemicals into your body and brain that simply make you feel good. If you can commit to regular exercise, then you will see a boost in self-esteem, higher levels of concentration, and improved sleep. Exercise is one of the best things that you can do for a healthy mind. The best thing about the effects of exercise on the mind is that you don’t need to sign up for heavy routines in the gym. Even light exercise can have a remarkable effect on your positivity. Take 30 minutes out of your day to do some light exercise, and make physical activity a more regular part of your schedule.

Eat Well

The links between the food that we eat and how it makes us feel have been studied since we started eating. Food can have a remarkable effect on mental health, because brains require a good mix of minerals and nutrients in order to stay healthy. For brains to function well, diet is as important as exercise. There are a number of guides available online about the best foods for more positive mental health, but you should certainly start including the following into your current diet:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Cereals

• Nuts and seeds

• Water

This also turns into a discussion about foods and drinks that are bad for your mental health. Alcohol and energy drinks can have a very negative effect and should be avoided if you are struggling to cope with mental health. If you are considering a diet change, it’s often worth talking to your doctor and getting some dietary advice from someone that knows your medical history.

Keep Sharp

One of the best things that we can do for our minds is to never stop learning. That doesn’t mean consuming clickbait articles on social media. Reading and absorbing new information is vital for sparking off new synaptic connections, and that can only be a positive step forward when it comes to mental health. Not only that, but studying something challenging can be a distraction from negativity, as well as beneficial for self-esteem and career boosts. Higher education is easier to access than ever before, and learning online is hugely popular. Now, it’s possible to pursue any career or interest from the comfort of your own home. You can study everything from a degree in Art to a Masters in Engineering Management online, and you get to dictate the pace of your learning too. For more positive steps towards a healthier mind, make sure that you are always learning.

Disconnect Your Technology

There’s no disputing that the digital age has brought with it new challenges. The smartphone alone has transformed the world, and with it comes a whole new set of issues that can have an effect on our mental health. Social media, clickbait articles, cries of fake news, can all have a detrimental effect on your positivity and productivity. Social media has been proven again and again to be a leading new cause of anxiety and loneliness. Throw in the fear of missing out, and you have a potent cocktail of ingredients that will have a negative effect on anyone’s mental health. If you want to protect your mental health, make sure that you take control over your use of technology, and not the other way around.

The Power of Plants

Having some greenery in your home is a very effective way of giving your mental health a positive boost. Obviously, a plant can change the look of a home, but it can also help to purify the air of pollutants and help to reinforce feelings of well-being. There are many correlations between self-care and plants, but research suggests that having more plants in the home can:

• Reduce anxiety

• Release mood-boosting compounds into the air

• Give you positive purpose

Tailor your plant placement to the type of plant and the room. Lavender on the bedside table is great for sleeping, while English Ivy is a great addition to a bathroom (although those with cats should avoid ivy of all kinds). Plants can be very beautiful additions to a home, and looking at beautiful things can make us feel happy. It really is that simple, and when you throw in the air-purification as well, there’s no reason not to add a few extra bits of greenery to your living space.

Looking after your mental health might mean making a few changes to your current lifestyle. However, even the smallest of first steps can result in a massive boost of positivity, and that can lead to the next step. If you’re struggling with mental health issues then you need to speak to someone, don’t try and cope alone. Take your time and do your research, and you could be facing the world with a lot more positivity before you know it.