People’s lives are becoming faster-paced than ever before, and with that being the case, mental burnout is at an all-time high. This is the case across all age groups: there’s an increase in the pressure students face at school, and adults are now working well past the average retirement age to make ends meet.
True improvements in mental health require systemic change, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty you can do to support yourself. In this short article, you’ll learn about five avenues you can explore today!
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Nootropics
Nootropics cover a broad range of compounds that are otherwise known as ‘smart drugs’. They comprise a classification of supplements that are thought to enhance cognitive performance and ease mental burdens. There’s a lot of debate as to what the best nootropic supplements available are, but some of the most efficacious are Omega-3 fatty acids, caffeine + L-Theanine, and creatine.
Many others are currently under scientific scrutiny and are only sold for research purposes, so before you take anything, make sure your country’s authorities have deemed the product safe for human consumption.
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Proper Nutrition
Our brain requires glucose (carbohydrate) to survive and thrive, so it’s key to have a diet rich in healthy sources like whole grains and legumes. A diet high in antioxidants, from foods like berries and nuts, it’s also key for keeping inflammation and oxidative stress at bay.
You are what you eat, and the Mediterranean diet has consistently been shown to be one of the most optimal for health, so start to build your plate around those staples.
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Prioritize Your Sleep
Most people don’t get enough sleep, and it’s during this crucial part of the day that the brain flushes out toxins and gets to work preparing your body for the next day.
Try your best to get 8 hours of sleep per night, and 6 at a bare minimum. If you’re struggling to get enough, try using blue light blocking glasses a few hours before bed, and look into getting an orthopaedic mattress and some high-quality pillows.
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The Importance of Exercise
Similarly to sleep, exercise is required for flushing out toxins from the brain at an accelerated rate. You’ve also likely heard of the ‘runner’s high’ – a phenomenon during which people feel a rush of endorphins that keeps them happy for hours after.
In this way, exercise isn’t only important for your psychological health, but your mental health, too, so get out there and show the world what you’re made of!
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Brain Training Games
And finally, there are brain training games. You’ve likely heard of the famous Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training on the Nintendo DS, but there are now a ton of fun and accessible variants on the Apple and Google app stores for you to try out.
While more of a supplement to the other elements, games like this (and many video games in general) can help keep your mind sharp.
Wrapping Up
Attaining better mental health and recovering from mental burnout can be a long road, but every little bit helps. Hopefully, you now feel a little more ready to take things back into your own hands. Good luck!