You clean your teeth every morning, wash your hands after you use the restroom, and see a doctor when you're ill or injured — but do you look after your mental health the same way? According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, mental health and physical health are equally important, and so closely interconnected that they're often the same thing. And just like with physical health, daily habits can make a big difference for our mental health and general wellbeing.
* Get enough sleep and keep a regular schedule. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and try to go to sleep and wake up at about the same time every day. Adequate sleep and consistent routines are crucial for mood and stress hormone regulation.
* Exercise regularly. Your workouts don't have to be long or strenuous. Even something as simple as a short daily walk can make a big difference.
* Enjoy meaningful relationships with others. Make a regular lunch date with a friend, don't put off visits with loved ones, and go on a date night with your spouse. Social interaction — and feeling like you belong — are important for your wellbeing.
* Take prescription medications as directed. If you take medication to manage behavioral health conditions like depression or anxiety, make sure to take them as directed (even if you don't feel depressed or anxious) and don't skip doses or cease taking them without consulting your doctor.
* Don't forget to blow off steam once in awhile. Write in a journal, go for a walk, or just punch a few pillows if that's what helps. Bottling up your negative feelings isn't helpful, so it's important to find healthy ways to release them.
* Appreciate the good stuff. Even in the most frustrating and stressful situations, there's usually something to be grateful for — for example, you might be stuck in traffic, but you've got an excellent audiobook to pass the time.
