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Today, there are a ton of reasons we’re all feeling stressed. Things might not be going well at work. Or, you might’ve seen something startling on the news. No matter what, we’ve got to put an emphasis on our mental and emotional health. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to improve them. Here are a few ways you can improve yours naturally.

Take Long Walks at the End of Each Day

Humans are the only animals that stand on two legs. We’d like to think there’s a reason for that. And, science supports us. One of the simplest things you can do to improve your mood would be to go on a walk. Taking an hour to walk at the end of each day would do wonders for your mental health. By exercising, you’ll also improve your physical health. Walking stimulates our brains, so they produce more neurotransmitters. These are responsible for how we feel. Producing more of them has a tangible effect on our feelings and mood. It’s better if you walk outside. But, any walking should do the trick.

Spend Time Outside Sitting Still

Just spending time in the sun could do a ton. Sunlight helps our bodies produce more serotonin. And, it’s essential for vitamin D production, too. Not everybody gets enough sunlight in the modern world. Most of the time, we’re busy working indoors. That’s one reason you might not be feeling the best. Take a couple of minutes in the morning to soak up some rays. Or, try to get them in after you’re done at work.

Start a Mindfulness Practice

Research has been looking at mindfulness as a way to improve mental health. It seems that simply focusing on mindfulness does have a real impact. By being mindful, things stress us out much less. So, you’ll feel way better by the end of the day. Being mindful isn’t about not thinking at all. Instead, try to imagine your thoughts are clouds passing by a mountain. Acknowledge them, but don’t hold on. If a thought catches your interest, don’t ignore it. Simply let it pass you by as if it were a mist.

Consider Other Types of Stress Relievers

One of the fastest-growing industries in the country would be cannabis. That’s partly because it’s a great way to relieve stress. Smoking marijuana doesn’t have a ton of harmful effects, either. It actually stimulates the body’s endocannabinoid system. That’s what makes you feel great whenever you’re exercising. Go online and search for a dispensary near me. You’ll discover there are plenty of them nearby. Start slowly. So, you don’t feel overwhelmed. Smoking a little bit after working could become the perfect stress reliever.

Stretch Before Going to Bed

Tension builds in our bodies during the day. However, we don’t always do what’s necessary to relieve it. Tense muscles could disturb our sleep, making us wake up throughout the night. Simply taking a few minutes to stretch could change all that, though. Don’t spend too long stretching. Or, you might not stick with the habit. Start by stretching out your lower body. The lower body tends to need it the most. By doing that, you’ll feel so much better once you’re laying down. Then, add the upper body to your stretching routine. Eventually, you’ll feel loose and limber all over.

Go to Sleep an Hour Earlier

Nothing makes a bigger impact on your mental health than a good sleep schedule. Missing a few hours might not be a huge deal. But, accruing a sleep deficit could ruin the whole week. By getting another hour, your sleep will be much more restorative. Start laying down a little earlier each night. Before you know it, it’ll become a habit. Then, you’ll wake up each morning feeling refreshed.

Improving Your Mental and Emotional Health

Maintaining a positive mental space takes a lot of work. Our jobs put us under immense stress, leaving us drained. Unless we’re proactive, we might get burnt out. That’s no way to go through the week. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to start taking some action. These ideas are just the beginning.