|About 26% of American adults above the age of 18 experience mental disorders every year, and many other individuals suffer different kinds at one period or another within their lifetime. There are various causes of this condition - with anxiety disorders and substance abuse being a few.

Your mental and physical energy are closely connected. To get the most out of your life, you will have to first take good care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. Fortunately, enhancing your mental health doesn't have to cost you a dime. Here are a few strategies to help you out.

​Please note: This article does not contain legal, healthcare or therapeutic advice. If you are concerned about your health or well-being, speak with a health professional or visit your nearest medical facility in an emergency. This is a collaborative article.

1. Be active

Doing regular exercises doesn't only enhance your fitness and self-esteem; it also boosts your sleep and improves your health. When you stay physically active, it keeps your brain working better. Exercises are also linked to improved mental health. Therefore, to improve your mood and lower your anxiety and depression, add physical activities to your daily life. You can do this by hitting the gym regularly. If, on the other hand, you want to stay at home, callisthenics (bodyweight exercises) could be the best workouts for you.

2. Make Connections and Mingle with Positive People

Statistics show that individuals with strong family ties and social connections are healthier than their counterparts with fewer social networks. That said, it's better to associate with people who empower you to be a better person through their positive energy. Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, you may not be able to travel freely and make new connections, but you can organize fun activities with your family and friends. More often than not, it's easier to build a positive mindset when others around you value your worth and are positive.​

3. ​Try to Control Your Stress

Stress always constitutes a considerable part of your journey through life. You may not be able to erase it from your life completely, but you can take steps to mitigate their harmful effects on your mental health.

To cope with stress, you can step out and connect with the natural environment, practice meditation, and play with your lovely pets if you have any. Meditation in particular, helps you feel calm and enhances the effects of mental health therapies. Research studies have also shown that laughter is healthy for your immune system, as it eases pain, relaxes your body and lowers your stress levels.
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Related: ​9 Healthy, Happy Tips for a Total Life Makeover

4. Get Help From Experts

Asking for help when you need it doesn't make you a weak person. In fact, it is a concrete sign of your maturity. There are many mental health experts out there who can help you overcome your mental challenges. Therapists can provide you effective treatment options to help you improve your mental health. Experienced mental health coaches can offer you stress relief and mental health resources to expedite your recovery from emotional trauma.

Your physical health also affects your mental health and so seeking help from experts for that will be beneficial. For example, if you have vision issues that cause headaches, this can exacerbate an already tired mind. Consider contacting a local optometrist for an eye check and prescription glasses may be necessary.

Related: 4 Reasons Why Self-Care Is A Must

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|By now we have all heard about self-care and all the amazing benefits it has to offer. But have you heard of the term emotional self-care?
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|COVID-19 has taken its toll on pretty much everything, from the obvious things like the population’s health and the economy, to the not-so-obvious like people’s stress and anxiety levels. By using stress management techniques, you’ll be able to keep a positive mind during quarantine, even if you’re in a place with spikes and subsequent stiff restrictions. ​