6 Ways You Can Optimize Your Mental Wellness

Life is a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs that can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Finding ways to care for your mental wellness improves your coping skills and your outlook on life.

At Weston Medical Health & Wellness in Weston, Florida, our experienced and caring medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, takes a holistic approach to medicine, treating your physical, mental, and social well-being. 

Here, we want to share ways you can optimize your mental wellness, improving your physical and social well-being.

1. Make social connections

Humans have a neurobiological need to socialize. It’s part of our survival instincts and helps us feel more connected. Having positive social connections and supportive relationships improves your mental well-being. It also benefits your coping skills and may lower your risk of depression, anxiety, and dementia.

Make time to connect with others. Find group activities that you enjoy so you can meet people with similar interests. And make it a priority to schedule “play dates” with your closest friends.

2. Practice gratitude

Your mind is powerful, and negative thoughts can affect how you feel and behave. Changing your mindset can improve your mental well-being. Practicing gratitude gives you an opportunity to see the good in yourself and the world around you. 

Take time every day to reflect on the good things that happened and write them down in your gratitude journal. 

3. Find a purpose

Your purpose in life is what gets you out of bed in the morning. It guides decision-making, shapes goals, and gives you a sense of direction. You may find purpose in your job, taking care of your family, or volunteering. Your purpose is what brings meaning and joy to your life.

4. Take care of your body

Your physical health has a significant effect on your mental wellness. Eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and get enough high-quality sleep. These simple habits can make a world of difference in how you think and feel. 

5. Smile more

When you smile, your body releases hormones and endorphins that make you feel good. It also reduces stress, relaxes your body, and boosts mood. Smiling more may also lengthen your lifespan. 

6. Reach out for help

When the stress of life overtakes your ability to cope, you may struggle with anxiety or depression. If you have overwhelming feelings of sadness or worry, it’s time to reach out for help. 

Your mood change may indicate a biochemical imbalance involving hormones, nutrients, or other substances. We specialize in diagnosing these underlying imbalances that affect mental health and offer treatments like hormone therapy, nutrition counseling, and dietary supplements, as well as medical interventions.

Taking care of your mental health is important. If you’re struggling, we can help. Call our office at 954-389-1800 or request an appointment online today.