Guest Author: Steve Johnson

Economic challenges, safety concerns, and healthcare issues are only a few of the reasons why reports show that anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health struggles, according to Mental Health First Aid USA. So try some of these self-care strategies to alleviate stress and depression, courtesy of Advanced Holistic Healing Arts.

Work on Your Budget

If financial issues are a primary trigger for your anxiety, revisit your budget to ensure it meets your current needs. With the rising cost of everyday necessities, you may need to trim some extras and look for economical ways to save. For instance, see if the price of a wholesale club membership saves you money by bulk purchases of household essentials. When you do eat out, look for deals. Save on gas by planning your shopping route and combining errands. Perhaps most importantly, if you have any loans, you could also look into refinancing in order to get better terms and perhaps lower your interest rate or even consolidate your debt.

Eat Clean

Instead of buying snacks full of sugar and fat, look for healthy options like a smoothie, fruits, or nuts. Nutritious refreshments fill you faster and give you a lasting energy boost. An easy way to curb hunger is to drink more water. Go for a glass of water and replace the soda with fruit-infused water to enjoy some delicious flavor.

Schedule Some Me Time

If you care for a family, you probably struggle to find a moment's peace for yourself. Discuss the importance of privacy and time for self-reflection for everyone in the family and create activities that the children (and spouse) can do away from the home so you can focus on yourself. Take a day trip if you need to leave home to get some calm and put the phone in airplane mode to eliminate distractions. Practice rejecting toxic people and situations so that you're not drained.

Enhance Your Looks

A new outfit or hairstyle can work wonders for your self-esteem. Bookmark your favorite fashion sites to find trendy styles that complement your physique. Stylish clothes don't have to be uncomfortable, so pay attention to influencers with your body type who teach you how to dress for fit and function. Even when you're at home minding the children, find comfy clothes that make you feel confident. The right leggings and a wire-free bra offer support without constricting you. Indulge yourself with a satin robe to feel luxurious while lounging.

Get Your Beauty Rest – And Start Your Day With Healthy Habits

Sleep is essential for remaining alert and clearing out negative thoughts. Healthy Directions recommends improving your sleep by avoiding caffeine in the afternoon or excessive alcohol late at night. Head to bed at the same time each evening and awake at the same time each morning. Help yourself get in the mood for sleep by keeping the bedroom cool and uncluttered and try some soothing white noise to unwind.

After a good night's sleep, you’re much more likely to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your day. You can set yourself up for a productive and joyful day by incorporating a few habits first thing in the morning, including drinking a full glass of water, doing some stretch exercises, and getting in a mood-boosting breakfast. You’ll be up and running with a smile on your face!

Keep Your Your Mind (and Your Home) Clutter-Free

When most people think of decluttering, they think of physical clutter like old clothes or piles of mail. However, decluttering can also refer to the act of clearing out mental clutter. Just like a cluttered room can make it difficult to find what you need, a cluttered mind can make it difficult to focus and be productive. mental clutter can include negative self-talk, rumination on past events, and worries about the future. Letting go of this mental clutter can help to improve your mood and increase your sense of well-being.

In addition, decluttering your home can also help to reduce stress levels and improve your sleep quality. Stick to a manageable cleaning routine so you can stay on top of clutter before it accumulates. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, try taking some time to declutter your mind and your space. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.

Adjust Your Work Schedule

Identify when you're most productive and optimize your day while planning breaks to refresh. Timeboxing is a fantastic way to schedule assignments so you don't become overwhelmed. Even if you work from home, understand when you need to disconnect and leave tasks for the following day.

You owe it to yourself to feel your best and keep your mental health strong. With these suggestions – including sticking to a budget, eating clean, scheduling “me time,” and getting your day off on the right foot – you can start living better and healthier and keep your mind and spirit rejuvenated.

About the Author: Steve Johnson

As co-creator of PublicHealthLibrary, Steve enjoys helping people find the health and medical information they need most. Their goal is to make Public Health Library one of the go-to sources for health and medical information on the web. More Information about Steve and other aricles can be found at:  https://publichealthlibrary.org