Tips for Maintaining Good Mental Hygiene

We all understand the importance of following good habits to maintain proper physical hygiene. However, it is equally important to foster healthy habits in our lifestyle that bring about good mental health and hygiene.

The issue of mental health has steadily come to the fore as we have recognised the impact it has on overall physical health and wellbeing.

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Here are a few points to inculcate into your daily life to maintain good mental hygiene:

Eat healthily:

Our bodies and minds are not separate entities; what we put into our bodies have a direct impact on our mental health. Certain foods such as caffeine, sugar and sodium not only affect our general health, but can also have an effect on how we feel. Too much salt intake can cause us to feel bloated and lethargic, while a diet lacking in fibre can lead to constipation and a general feeling of ill-health. This is why eating a healthy, balanced diet is important to maintaining good mental hygiene.

Sleep well:

Getting good sleep is an incredibly important part of practising good mental hygiene. Sleep is nature’s way of rejuvenating the body and mind. Inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress and it is seen that persons suffering from chronic insomnia risk developing personality disorders such as depression and anxiety. So, getting enough sleep and following a proper sleep pattern is important for good physical as well as mental wellbeing.

Exercise regularly:

Apart from its benefits to your physical health, exercise can do wonders to your mental health. During exercise, our bodies release endorphins and dopamine (“feel good” hormones) which lead to a feeling of happiness and positivity. Endorphins also act as analgesics which reduce the perception of pain.

Exercise can boost your confidence and relieve stress and helps you to get better sleep. Even low-impact exercise such as walking can boost your mood, so make some form of exercise a regular habit.

Talk it out:

Having a circle of close and trusted friends to talk to and share is an important part of practising mental hygiene. Being able to talk to a trusted friend/friends about difficulties can help us to cope better with whatever challenges we may be facing. Friends also help us to understand different perspectives to our situations and can offer helpful insights to dealing with such situations.

Oftentimes, just having regular light-hearted friendly conversations with our friends can alleviate our mood and fill us with a sense of belonging.

Avoid the influx of negative news:

We are living in the digital age where information is accessible 24×7. Particularly in the midst of the pandemic, we are constantly bombarded with negative news that make us feel as if the world is falling apart around us.

Although it is natural to be worried about what we hear and see on the news, when information begins to affect our mental health however, it is time to switch off our devices or change the channel. Instead, subscribe to more positive channels, watch more comedies and programmes that have a feel-good factor. Also, remind yourself that it is okay to disconnect from the news all together sometimes.

Pursue interests and hobbies:

Engaging in an activity that you enjoy can help relieve stress and improve your mood. It can also lead to a feeling of self-confidence and accomplishment as you get better at it. Such activities also open avenues for us to engage with other people of similar interest. Whether it is gardening, dancing, learning to play an instrument etc, it is important to pursue an interest to build a richer, more fulfilling life. Music helps us heal too!

Give back to society:

Volunteering is a great way to add a sense of meaning and purpose to your life. People who volunteer also tend to feel what is known as ‘helper’s high’, a feeling of calmness, self-worth and self-confidence. Knowing you are making a difference in society can provide you with a greater sense of identity, while regular interaction with other volunteers can help to build friendships and fight loneliness.

Be kind to yourself and practise gratitude:

Kindness begins at home and while we always hear about being kind to others, we often forget to be kind to ourselves. Kindness to ourselves radiates outwards and can teach us to have greater empathy with the world as a whole.

Cultivate a healthy sense of self-respect and self-acceptance; understand that there are some things you cannot change, therefore it is important to accept them. Forgive yourself and try to make meaningful changes to overcome past mistakes. Also, be patient with yourself and practise self-care.

Finally, remember to be grateful for all the good in your life and take each day as a new beginning to endless possibilities.

If you need to reach out and talk to someone, feel free to call on one of these numbers or similar services: