VISITING ANGELS GULF SHORES, AL 251-943-7525
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Improving Your Mental Health

Improving Your Mental Health

Many of us understand the importance of improving our physical health as we age, but sometimes we neglect our mental health. Mental health is more than just how we feel. It encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being and plays a significant role in how we think and act. May is Mental Health Month. It’s a great time to reflect on your mental well-being and discover new ways of improving your mental health.

Tips to Improve Your Mental Health 

Signs of poor mental health are more than just feeling sad. If you have trouble concentrating, are easily distracted, worry a lot, have a hard time making decisions, are easily overwhelmed, or find yourself losing interest in hobbies, it may be time to prioritize your mental health.

Take Care of Your Body 

One of the best ways to get your mind right is to get your body right. One way to take care of your body is with a regular exercise routine. Exercise releases chemicals in your body that relieve stress and promote happiness. You can go for a morning walk or bicycle through your neighborhood. You can also signup for a yoga class or enlist a friend in an afternoon hike. 

It’s also essential to nourish your body with nutritious foods. Try to incorporate more fresh produce, lean meats, and whole grains into your diet. You can also make lifestyle changes to take care of your body, such as eliminating tobacco use, limiting your alcohol intake, and cutting back on processed foods.

Surround Yourself with Compassionate People 

The people you surround yourself with play a significant role in how you feel and think. If you’re around people who put you down or feed you negative thoughts, chances are you’ll find yourself feeling down most days. If you spend time with compassionate people who show you unconditional love and support, it’s a lot easier to feel uplifted and positive.

If you have friends or family who bring you down, know it’s okay to set boundaries on those relationships. Talk to the person and let them know how they’re making you feel. If they’re unwilling to change or try to invalidate your feelings, they may not be someone worth your time. It doesn’t make you a bad person to limit or eliminate time with someone if their words or actions are detrimental to your mental health.

Find Purpose in Everyday Life 

As we age, it can get harder to feel purposeful in our everyday lives. For so many years, we spend time in school or at work. We have a set schedule, and we know what is expected of us every day. Then after retirement, our routines change, and it can be hard to find meaning. If you’re feeling disconnected and struggling to find your purpose, identify things in your everyday life that bring you joy. What are your hobbies? What are some activities you enjoy? Are there activities you’ve never tried but always wanted to? Once you find the things that make you happy, set aside time each day committed to those joys. Having that dedicated time gives you something to look forward to and makes each day feel more purposeful.

Learn Ways to Manage Your Stress 

Stress is a major contributor to poor mental health. If you’re experiencing high levels of stress, work on finding ways to manage it. You can learn meditation, do deep breathing exercises, or incorporate more workouts into your routine. If you have chronic stress inhibiting you from living your life, talk to your doctor about stress management tips or possible treatments to relieve your stress.

Talk to Your Doctor or Other Licensed Professionals 

Venting to friends and family after a long day can be cathartic, but if you’re feeling signs of depression or anxiety, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Depression and anxiety are more than feeling sad or overwhelmed. It’s a common mood disorder that can affect how you live. If your experience increased fatigue, trouble sleeping, nervousness, restlessness, trouble focusing, irritability, or uncontrollable emotions, it’s time to talk to your doctor about depression and anxiety screenings. With a proper diagnosis, your doctor will help you craft a treatment plan to improve your mental health. 

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you or an aging loved one struggles with mental health, the team at Visiting Angels Foley, Alabama could help. Our team of compassionate caregivers can provide companionship, medication reminders, transportation to doctor’s appointments, and much more. Our Foley office serves those in Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. To learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or give us a call at 251.943.7525.

Serving the Alabama Gulf Coast including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Visiting Angels GULF SHORES, AL
1313 South Commercial Dr #101A
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-943-7525

Serving the Alabama Gulf Coast including Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Visiting Angels GULF SHORES, AL
1313 South Commercial Dr #101A
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-943-7525