7 tips to optimize mental health among men

Category: Stress & Relaxation

Mental health is always the less spoken topic. Mental health is still not openly discussed especially the male population. Men tend to be more sensitive about discussing this topic. A survey had shown that almost 40% of men are not comfortable talking about their stress and any tension they are suffering in their life as they don’t want to appear weak and vulnerable. Studies have found marriages and relationships boost the mental health as they find a companion and a friend which makes them less vulnerable to depression

Why mental health is important?

Along with physical health mental health is equally important. According to World Health Organization (WHO), mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and social well-being. Good mental health helps you:
– Cope with the normal stress in life
– Realization of one’s abilities
– Keeps you active in your daily activities
– Provide sound sleep
– Compassionate and contribute to the community
– Productive at work
– Work towards a good relationship with your loved ones
– To be flexible and able to cope with adverse events

Tips to optimize mental health

  1. Be physically active
    Regular exercise can boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. Helps to concentrate on the job at hand. Exercise increases the blood flow to the brain keeping you active throughout the day. Physical activity also helps you to have a sound sleep.
  2. Express your feelings
    Talking about your feelings is not a sign of weakness. If talking to your loved ones is difficult, then talk with a stranger as you are surer that they will not be judgmental. If it is difficult to express in one word, use more words and talk your mind. Just being listened to can help you feel less alone. Sometimes writing down the negative feeling on a piece of paper also works.
  3. Take a break
    Going for a vacation all by yourself or with your loved ones gives you much-needed break from the routine. Vacation does not mean that you need to be active, you can just not be doing anything and just enjoying the moment. Sitting near a beachside or camping in the mountains and watching the sunset can energize you and give you a lot of energy to go back to your routine.
  4. Learn something new or do what you like
    You can just practice your hobby or what you love doing. Learning a new musical instrument that you always wanted to do can be quite relaxing.
    Painting, listening to music, cooking a meal, playing with your pet, and gardening are a few quite refreshing activities.
  5. Care for others and show gratitude
    Doing a charity or volunteering for social work or providing weekend help at an old age home provides a lot of happiness and contentment in life. This always helps to see the world differently. We try to accept our life and feel happier about our situation. It helps to put our problem in a different perspective.
  6. Yoga and meditation
    Many breathing exercises help you ease. Yoga works towards mental well-being. Meditation techniques like sitting in a quiet place and focusing on some positive affirmation can help you relax and feel positive. Deep breathing exercises with slow, deep, and even breathing provide a lot of oxygen to the brain cells, allowing you to feel relaxed.
  7. Take natural supplements
    Natural supplements like kaunchbeej, jatamansi, vacha etc. can help relax your mind, calm your nerves, improve sleep quality and reduce stress. Good Nutrition Calm and balanced relax shots is an unique combination of natural Indian herbs including kaunchbeej, jatamansi, vacha, swetmusli, sarpagandha etc. which helps us rejuvenate and reduces our stress levels naturally.

Lastly, we need to understand that we don’t have to be happy all the time. It is normal to feel angry, frustrated, annoyed, sad, scared, and anxious. The most important thing is to be more aware of your feelings and act accordingly.

Nidhi

Good Nutrition

Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator

Nidhi Makharia Agarwal is a qualified nutritionist and dietitian, as well as a certified Diabetes educator, with 12+ years of experience in the field of nutrition. She has worked in various nutraceutical companies and also as a nutrition writer and practicing nutritionist. Nidhi started her training as an intern with the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and the Wadia Children Hospital in Mumbai. She has worked with a leading Indian nutraceutical company for 8 years. Currently, Nidhi has her own venture; The Aahar Clinic for healthy living, which she founded in 2018. She has also lent her expertise as a nutrition counsellor to a diabetes project co-initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Indian Dietetic Association. Additionally, she works with food and nutrition start-ups as a nutrition consultant. Nidhi holds a Master’s degree in clinical nutrition and dietetics. She is also a certified diabetes educator. Nidhi is based in Mumbai.