Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
5 ways to boost your mental health + tips from a Birmingham expert
Reading time: 4 minutes
Sponsored
Organizations and individuals across Birmingham are creating spaces where mental health is discussed, and it’s important to have these conversations to ensure better mental health throughout the year.
To hear more about what benefits our mental health, we talked to the professionals at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) for advice and resources.
1. Put down the screens
Excessive screen time can take a toll on your mental and physical health.
The physical risks are most commonly eye strain, neck, shoulder and back pain. But spending too much time in front of a screen also impacts your sleep, which can lead to sleep deprivation, depression or other mood disorders.
Put down your phone or computer and go for a walk, read a book, catch up with a friend face-to-face or all of the above!
2. Spend time outside
Regular, consistent physical exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mood and overall physical health.
Birmingham is full of amazing walking trails and hiking hot spots. Check out a few of our favorites and bask in the beauty of the Magic City.
BONUS: BCBSAL sponsors three popular trails at the Birmingham Zoo—the Flamingo Trail, Gator Trail and Giraffe Trail.
I love walking around the Zoo and saying hey to all the animals—you should try it out, too!
Or, for a free full-body workout, try an outdoor fitness court around Birmingham.
3. Keep your physical health in check
BCBSAL’s Dr. Darrel Weaver told us that mental health and physical health go hand in hand.
“I’ve seen studies that show people who have a chronic medical condition—diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, you name it—also have a behavioral health problem at the same time.”
Dr. Darrel Weaver, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Think about it: If something is wrong with your physical health, you might be worried about it and, in turn, drag down your mental health.
“Because they’re locked together, anything you can do to help yourself physically is going to help your behavioral health. The first thing you can do is take better physical care of yourself, and to a certain extent, the mental side will follow.”
Dr. Darrel Weaver, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
4. Set goals
BCBSAL advises to “decide the kind of person you want to be and act in ways that align with your ideals.”
You can achieve this by setting goals for yourself. It can be small, like walking one mile or reading 10 pages of a book each day.
Or, think big! Book the vacation, buy new furniture or run that marathon.
Either way, goal-setting gives you something to focus on and look beyond the present.
5. Find a hobby that brings you joy
For me, I find joy in writing, reading a good book and making dinner for my friends. You could find joy in a sport, an instrument or helping others.
Whatever it is—find ways to celebrate everything in your life. Little wins add up to great achievements.
Check out more mental health resources at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
Sponsored by:
