6 Tips To Improve Your Mental Health & Well-Being

Written by Vanessa Marie Dewsbury
​Instagram @soulalivebarrie
Youtube Channel 
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A journey to health & inner wellness

Mental health and well-being are important aspects of our overall health and quality of life. Good mental health allows us to maintain healthy and fruitful relationships and friendships, it enables us to be able to cope with the challenges of every day life, and it allows us the motivation and inspiration to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.

Taking good care of our mental health and well-being can involve activities such as, mindfulness practices, journalling, exercise and movement, therapy, and self-care. To name a few. Also the quality of food we eat has a profound effect on our overall health as well.

It is important for us to prioritize our mental well-being if we want to create harmony and balance within. And if needed, seeking help from a licensed practitioner or therapist can be highly beneficial if needed.

In today's blog I share with you 6 tips to improve your Mental Health and Well-Being. 

Eat foods that nourish your body & mind

Eating healthy food provides essential nutrients that our body needs to function properly and operate at its optimal. Making healthier food choices also helps us to maintain a healthy weight and it reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

If we want to feel good overall, it's important that we consume foods that nourish our body from the inside out. When we are good to our body, our body is good to us.

Here are some tips for eating healthier:
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1. Choose whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Limit processed foods and sugary drinks.
3. Include lean proteins such as poultry, fish, and beans in your meals.
4. Control portion sizes and eat until you are satisfied, not overly full.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
6. Plan and prepare your meals in advance to avoid unhealthy choices.
7. Incorporate healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil into your diet.
8. Read food labels and avoid products with added sugars and unhealthy fats.
9. Avoid eating late at night or close to bedtime.​​

Move your body daily

​Daily movement and exercise is important for maintaining a healthy and strong physical and mental state. Regular physical activity can help improve our health on all levels and it can help to prevent many health issues including, cardiovascular health, diabetes, heart disease and more.

​Physical activities also help to strengthen our muscles and bones, and balance our hormones and stress levels. Exercise is shown to have positive effects on our mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and even depression, while improving our mood and cognitive function.

Incorporating movement and exercise into your daily routine can lead to a better overall quality of life.

Here are some tips for starting an exercise routine:
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1. Set realistic goals
2. Start with simple exercises and gradually increase intensity
3. Find an activity that you enjoy
4. Schedule your workouts into your daily routine 
5. Get a workout friend for motivation and accountabilty 
6. Don't forget to warm up and cool down 
7. Track your progress 
8. Be patient and consistent

Start a mindfulness practice

A mindful practice can be good for your mental health because it helps you to focus on the present moment and be more aware of your thoughts and emotions. This can lead to greater self-awareness, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved well-being.

Here are some tips on starting a mindful practice:
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1. Set aside a specific time and place for your practice.
2. Start with short sessions, gradually increasing the time as you become more comfortable.
3. Focus on your breath and bring your attention back to it whenever your mind wanders.
4. Approach your practice with a non-judgmental attitude, accepting whatever thoughts or sensations arise.
5. Experiment with different types of mindfulness practices, such as body scan, walking meditation, or mindful eating.
6. Be patient and consistent in your practice, and remember that mindfulness is a skill that takes time to develop.
7. Journal your thoughts, feelings, and emotions to help alleviate stress, tension, and anxiety. 

You can create a meditative state simply by being present with your thoughts and writing out whatever comes to the surface. Releasing your stored emotions will help you feel lighter and more balanced. 

I have created an Affirmation Journal as well as a Gratitude Journal which you can find on Amazon.
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Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep

​Getting a good night's sleep is important for our physical and mental health. A good solid sleep helps us to feel restored and rejuvenated and it helps to strengthen our immune system and reduces the risk of developing a variety of health problems. It also improves our memory and cognitive function thus making us feel alert and energetic for the day ahead.

Here are some tips to help you have a good sleep:
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1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
2. Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
3. Make sure your sleep environment is comfortable and conducive to sleep.
4. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed.
5. Avoid eating heavy meals, exercising, and using electronic devices before bed.
6. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation.
7. Taking magnesium is know to help relax your body and mind before bed. ​

​Please consult with a health-care provider for more information on taking magnesium to aid with sleep.

Do things that nurture your soul

​Nourishing your soul is vital for your overall health and happiness. It involves taking care of your emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. When you nourish your soul, you can experience a greater sense of purpose, peace, and fulfillment in life. 

There are many things you can do to nourish your soul such as listening to a Meditation, connecting with Mother Nature, practicing Yoga, reading a good book, or having a lovely bath with Epson Salts and essential oils like Lavender or Ylang Ylang which help calm the mind and body. Other things you can engage in are creative activities such as painting, drawing, knitting, cooking, colouring, or putting together a puzzle. 

Anything you enjoy doing, do it. When you nurture your soul you create a place of harmony and balance within which greatly improves your Mental Health and well-being. 

Connect with others

​Connecting with others on your wellness journey can provide support, accountability, and inspiration. Consider joining a local gym or fitness class, attending a wellness event or workshop, or seeking out online communities or forums focused on health and wellness. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends or family members who share similar goals and interests.

I created a group on Facebook called, Mind & Body Wellness where I share healthy recipes, wellness tips, mindset motivation and much more. I'd love for you to join us!

♡ With love, Vanessa 

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Vanessa Marie Dewsbury is an internationally known Reiki Master, Self Love & Spiritual Teacher, Bestselling Author, and creator of Simple Journals. She is also an advocate for Mind & Body Wellness. You can find her on Instagram at @foodfitness40s

Vanessa has been a guest on well-known radio shows and podcasts and has appeared in news articles acknowledging her work in the spiritual and personal development community.

Her acquired wisdom through her own life experiences and health issues combined with her training and certifications in various modalities allows her to offer powerful guidance as well as the vital tools required to enhance and promote inner-healing, personal growth, and self love.