State of mind will set the stage for everything in life from the choices we make to our physical health. All the yucky negative things we feel, like anxiety, anger and fear are par for the course so long as we are breathing. But the idea that these feelings must be the dominant ones, that we are not really meant to be happy, is a falsehood that many of us buy into. We do not have to let these feelings overrule us; we can control them. We have the power to improve our mental health dramatically and experience a happier existence. Here are some tips that have worked for me personally and I would like to share them with you in hopes they can help you the same way.
Expose Yourself to New Ways of Thinking
Everything you think and believeis simply a matter of habit and what you have been exposed to all of your life; it is not fact, it is not set in stone. Change your thoughts and you change your world. If your outlook on life could use a boost, start exposing yourself to new ways of thinking and being. Read a book, get a CD, hop on YouTube, surf the Web. There is no shortage of information out there on how to improve your life—find the sources that resonate with you and get cracking. Take what works for you and discard the rest —no need to commit to one philosophy wholeheartedly. Life is all about perception and you can choose a more positive perception at any time.
Watch Outside Influences
So much of what we think and feel has been influenced by things outside of us, whether it be our parents or the media. So much of what we believe is based on conditioning, not any sort of critical thought or examination. If you want to improve your mental health, it is important to monitor what you are taking in from the outside. While it is good to have an idea of what is going on in the world, it is not necessary to watch 24-hour news stations several hours a day, nor do you need to pore over every news story on CNN.com—fear sells and the media thrives on scaring the crap out of you. Take a look at the people in your life and honestly assess whether there are a few that you should maybe spend less time around, or at the very least, avoid certain topics of conversation with them.
Diet and Supplementation
The role of our diet in our overall well-being has been strongly established, yet it is one tool that is very underused when it comes to improving mental well-being. We do not fully grasp the importance of giving our body sufficient amounts of the nutrients it needs to function properly. I was never a super-unhealthy person but once I really started making an effort to eat better, I noticed drastic improvements in my state of mind—I felt less depressed and anxious. My mind was clearer and my body felt better. When our bodies feel better, our minds feel better. Natural supplements also helped greatly—there are a host of herbs that are linked to reducing anxiety and depression and promoting overall wellness, such as valerian, passion flower,Bali kratom and St. John’s wort.
About the Author: Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer who is passionate about natural health; she recommends visiting www.arenaethnobotanicals.com for great herbal products.