Studies reveal that healthy lifestyle choices and habits can positively influence your mental health and wellness. In fact, if you visit a psychiatrist to treat a mental health condition, chances are that the professional will suggest lifestyle interventions along with medication, psychotherapy, and others. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental conditions, some positive lifestyle changes can aid your psychiatric treatment.
Before we explore how certain lifestyle changes can improve your mental well-being, it is important to consult a professional first. Simply search “psychiatry in New York” to find a qualified, reliable psychiatrist in the city. The expert can assess your condition and offer a proper diagnosis. Based on the diagnosis, they can also suggest which lifestyle changes can benefit you.
1. Add More Physical Activities to Your Routine
Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and maintain well-being effectively. There is also evidence that an adequate amount of physical activity benefits individuals with anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and more. Physical activities may also help prevent cognitive decline in older adults. Regular exercise has shown a positive impact on cognitive function and improvement in neuroplasticity, which enhances learning and adaptation. Since psychiatric treatment works as a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, you should seek expert advice before you add more exercises to your everyday life.
2. Start a Healthier Diet
It is common knowledge that diet and nutrition have a crucial impact on our physical well-being. Recent studies reveal that nutrition-rich diets can also have a significant impact on our mental health. Diets focusing on whole foods, especially unprocessed grains, seeds, nuts, vegetables, fruits, beans, olive oil, and fish, improve mental health. Eating foods high in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), like leucine, valine, and isoleucine, is linked with reduced risk of depression and anxiety. Before making major changes to your diet, it is recommended to consult a nutritionist and mention your ongoing psychiatric treatment for context.
3. Get Enough Sleep Every Night
Sleep is crucial for physical and mental well-being, but many of the world's population does not get enough sleep. Sleep helps the brain function properly. A lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can lead to several mental and psychological issues. A lack of quality sleep can impact your decision-making ability and concentration. Healthy sleep habits, such as getting at least 8 hours of shut-eye every night and going to bed at a particular time, can improve sleep quality. Your psychiatrist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy or other treatments to help resolve your sleeping problems.
4. Improve Your Social Connections
When you experience certain mental or psychological problems, your psychiatrist may ask you to surround yourself with supportive people. Studies have shown a positive impact of having social support on an individual’s physical health, mental health, and longevity. People with limited social support are more likely to develop mental health challenges in their lives. Improved social connection can have a positive impact on conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia by improving function and alleviating symptoms. Creating and maintaining social connections enhances your psychological well-being and helps prevent and alleviate psychiatric symptoms.
5. Avoid Risky Substances
If you consume alcohol or other addictive substances regularly, it can have a major impact on your health. Alcohol consumption is linked with physical conditions such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, heart disease, and even cancer. It can also cause several mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder (AUD). While substance abuse requires medical intervention, it is better to get help at an early stage before it can cause any serious problems. If you are struggling to quit smoking, drinking, or substance abuse, your psychiatrist may advise you to undergo a rehab program.
Wrapping Up
Whether you are struggling with a mental condition or not, these lifestyle changes can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. If you already follow this type of lifestyle, you are less likely to develop mental or psychological problems. However, if you still face certain mental challenges in life, a psychiatrist can offer you the right treatment based on your needs.
