October is the world month of mental health. As such, it is important for everyone to recognise the early signs of being mentally fatigued or going through a burnout. In recent years health professionals began to talk more about this condition, which is mainly triggered by a stressful lifestyle and overworking. It often brings depression and anxiety along. The good news is there are some home remedies you can try to improve your mental state without taking a trip to the GP or the pharmacy.
Decluttering
The first thing anyone with anxiety or feeling stressed should do is try and create more physical space around themselves. This is best done through decluttering. Starting from your living environment and moving towards your inner being is the right approach. Small and confined spaces can trigger anxiety and panic attacks. The less items you have around you the more space you have to breathe and think.
Throwing away or giving old stuff to charity can be a therapeutic process. By releasing some of the past you are welcoming the future and all the great opportunities that come with it.
The next logical step of decluttering is deep cleaning. Don’t skip it as it will also contribute to your stress and anxiety relief.
Favourite Music
You’ve probably heard this too many times, but music is scientifically proven to help with a variety of mental conditions. If you feel agitated or extremely tired, put some of your favourite music on. It will cheer you up and stimulate your body to produce more “happiness hormones” like serotonin and oxytocin.
Diffusers with Essential Oils
Diffusers are an amazing home improvement that don’t cost much but bring so many diverse benefits. If you use them with water only you will enjoy better quality air in your living room or bedroom, as well as fresh and clean skin.
Add a few drops of different essential oils and you will see diffusers are a total game changer for your mental state. For stress relief and calming effect, the best oils you can use are lavender, neroli, sandalwood and clary sage.
Changing Your Diet
The food you eat can impact not only the way you look but also the way you feel. And that goes beyond the physical dimension. If you are often stressed or experience anxiety try changing your diet. First, exclude alcohol and reduce simple carbohydrates. Add more proteins and green veggies.
Making Time to Exercise
Stressful lifestyle suggests you have very little time to take care of yourself and your body. You are probably dodging the gym because you have to work or are too busy with the kids. However, you need to realise that physical exercise is one of the best forms of stress relief and mental balancing. If you can’t go to the gym, block just 15-20 minutes of your day to exercise at home or take a long walk in the park. You will certainly notice the difference almost immediately.
Create ‘Me’ Time and Unwinding Routine
What are the things you truly enjoy doing? Putting yourself first from time to time is not a treat or a reward for an achievement. It is certainly not selfish. Sometimes it is simply a necessity to stay well and sane. Create “Me” time and a routine that helps you unwind after a stressful workday. It could be a creative activity, it could be watching a good movie or ‘trash TV show’. It could also be a short pampering session. The point is to dedicate that time only to yourself and notice how you feel.
If it is really hard to squeeze that time in because you have too many commitments and things to do, then start delegating and outsourcing some of them. The first thing that could go is household chores. Professional cleaning services have previously done wonders for individuals who struggled with depression, anxiety and burnout. Why don’t you try too?