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Health and Wellness

3 Easy Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

The little things make a huge difference

Adeline Fecker

May 31, 2016

University of Oregon

3 Easy Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

konfrazzzled.com

Between school, relationships, sleep, I often let my mental health get pushed to the back burner. Maintaining a good mental health is not as time-consuming as you might think! Here are a few easy ways that you can help your mental health without significantly changing your schedule.

1. Cut the sugar

When you eat sugary foods it releases dopamine, a chemical responsible for pleasure, into the brain. Shortly after ingesting sugar you get a high as the dopamine is released. However, this is followed by a crash. This quick change in mood can be very detrimental to your mental health. Studies have shown that sugar has a negative effect on people suffering from depression or schizophrenia. Eating excessive amounts of sugar can build up a tolerance to dopamine, making it harder to feel pleasure from the things you used to enjoy. Vitamin B, which helps us maintain our good moods, is used up by sugar. So if you find yourself reaching for a piece of candy, try and resist.

2. Exercise daily

While sugar is very bad for mental health, exercise is very good. Besides the physical health benefits like lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health, exercise releases endorphins into the brain which help to reduce the feeling of pain. Regular exercise can also make you more energized and optimistic throughout the day. It also can help you sleep better and reduce the effects of stress. A lot of the toxic hormones released when you are stressed are cleansed out when you exercise. You don’t even have to exercise heavily, even light jogging for 30 minutes can make a positive difference.

3. Keep a journal

This is a perfect way to end your day! Journaling allows you to reflect on events of the day and anything that may still be stressing you out. You are forced to organize your thoughts which help with problem-solving and reduces stress. Studies show that keeping a gratitude journal can make you happier because it makes you focus on the positive things in your life that usually get lost in the chaos. Try and set aside 10 minutes before bed when you can write each night. Not only will your sleep be improved but so will your mood the next day!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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3 Easy Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

The little things make a huge difference

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We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

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