A short period of physical activity can significantly improve your mental health. According to the Mental Health Foundation, exercise is one of the leading ways to reduce physical and mental health deterioration. 

While movement is obviously good for your body, it also affects your brain and allows endorphins to be released, thus increasing mental alertness and good energy. So, here are some actionable tips for how to be mentally and emotionally fit in 2020.

Exercise Regularly

Take part in activities that challenge your creativity and make you feel productive, whether you are paid for it or not. Stay hydrated, exercise regularly, support your body and mind, and increase your strength and endurance so you reduce stress more easily.

When you go to the gym, there can be a strong release of certain stress chemicals that help the brain relieve stress. When the body is regularly subjected to physical stress, the body also learns to recover and to adapt to physical and mental stress.

It is as important to care for your mental health as it is for your physical health and exercise is a great way to maintain both of these.

Take Care of Brain Health

From a biological point of view, it is important for brain health to find meaning and purpose, as this can help create new cells and nerve pathways in the brain. It can also boost your immune system, relieve pain, relieve stress, and motivate you to take other steps to improve mental and emotional health.

Some people struggle with mental and brain health so it is important then if you are struggling then you talk to your GP to see how the can help you. Help for mental health issues can take a long time on the NHS, so, it may be worth your while to invest in private health insurance that allows you to speak to a GP at any time via video or phone.

With the right treatment and medical care, affected people can recover quickly and regain their mental and emotional balance to lead a productive life again.

Find Time for Social Connection

Finding ways to connect with others cam make the world of difference to your mental health Combining a commitment to exercising and getting active with some much-needed social time with friends and/or family is a great way to integrate both things into a busy lifestyle. No matter how much time you spend improving your mental and emotional health, you will still need the company of others to feel and function at your best.

People are social beings with an emotional need for relationships and positive connections to others. Most people feel flattered when you trust them enough to trust them. Make eye contact and exchange a smile, a friendly greeting or a conversation.

Think Positive Thoughts Only 

Bouts of negative emotions are the result of subtle but strong patterns of habitual thinking. What makes thought habits, such as worry, so powerful is that they often run on autopilot, just outside of our consciousness. While these are normal parts of life, they can still cause sadness, fear and stress.

Also, learn to talk to yourself, as it is a sign of emotional fitness. Talking to yourself (either in your head or out loud) helps you become more aware of your own thoughts and to distance yourself from yourself. This helps give you gain a fresh perspective on what is driving your current emotions, therefore allowing you to address them more easily.