Quick and easy mental health snacks to stay mentally fit

When is the last time when you did something for yourself, have a mental health snack? In a world that is constantly moving and changing, it’s no surprise that many of us struggle with maintaining our mental health. The pressures of daily life can take a toll on your emotional well-being, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Taking care of your mental health is crucial for your health and happiness. But what are the right steps to feel mentally fit and thrive in even the most challenging circumstances?

Despite the surge of interest in health and wellness in recent years, official statistics reveal that British people are not monitoring, nor maintaining their mental health status as a daily routine. This is a growing cause for concern, particularly considering that our nation’s health is declining, and in some areas, the decline is quite steep.

Whether you’re looking for quick and easy mental health “snacks” or seeking long-term support, you need to take a step back before you go ahead. It can be challenging to take a break and prioritise your joy but you can’t starve your mental health. We often prioritise productivity and getting things done over taking care of ourselves, but neglecting your mental health can have serious consequences. Fortunately, there are quick and easy mental health snacks that you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you stay grounded, calm, and mentally fit. So let’s dive in and explore the easy, fun ways to nourish your mind, improve your well-being, and live your best life.

quick mental snacks: remember the child you onec were?

Easy and fun mental health snacks

In a world that often values productivity and achievement over rest and self-care, it can be challenging to prioritise your mental health. We may feel pressure to constantly be “on” and available, leading us to neglect our emotional and psychological needs. The constant stimulation of technology and social media can make it difficult to disconnect and take a break, exacerbating feelings of stress and anxiety.

Mental health challenges are often stigmatised or dismissed, leading many to feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. This can make it even harder to prioritise your mental health, as you may fear judgement or misunderstanding from those around you.

Despite these challenges, incorporating quick and easy mental health snacks into your daily routine can have numerous benefits for your well-being. These small acts of self-care can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve our mood and focus, and cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness and presence in our lives.

For example, taking a few minutes to practise deep breathing exercises or take a walk in nature can help you feel more grounded and centred. Engaging in creative activities, such as drawing or writing, can help you tap into a sense of flow and ease. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can provide you with support and validation, while practising gratitude can help us cultivate a greater sense of appreciation for the world around us.

healthy mental snacks can keep you mentally fit Photo by bady abbas

By incorporating these mental health snacks into our daily routines, we can build greater resilience and emotional fortitude, allowing us to better navigate the challenges of our fast-paced world. These small acts of self-care and self-compassion can also help us to feel more empowered and in control of our lives, boosting our confidence and overall well-being. Ultimately, prioritising our mental health is essential for leading a happy and healthy life, and incorporating mental health snacks is a simple yet powerful way to achieve this.

Mental health snacks are small, quick, and easy self-care practices that you can do throughout the day to boost your emotional well-being. These snacks are simple yet powerful, allowing you to take a break from the stresses of daily life and focus on your mental health.

Think of mental health snacks as a bar of snacks, where you can pick and choose what satisfies you in everyday life. Just like a snack bar offers a variety of options to cater to different tastes and preferences, mental health snacks offer a range of tools and strategies to improve your mental well-being. You can choose to indulge in some fun activities that bring you joy, like watching a favorite movie or spending time with loved ones. Or you can opt for a more nourishing option, like practicing mindfulness or gratitude, to give your mind the boost it needs.

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick and easy fix or a more substantial option, the mental health snack bar has something for everyone. So, take a seat at the bar, and choose the snacks that will nourish your mind, boost your well-being, and have fun, from finding satisfaction in everyday life, to mindful breathing exercises. This involves taking a few minutes to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. By doing this, you can slow down your thoughts and calm your mind, allowing you to feel more present and centred.

One of my favourite mental health snack is taking a walk in nature. Being outside and surrounded by green and natural beauty, it always has a calming effect on my mind and body. As I walk, I focus on the sensations around me – the feel of the sun on my skin, the sound of birds chirping, the rustling of leaves in the wind. This helps me feel more grounded and connected to the world around me.

Listening to calming music is a great mental health snack that many find it easy to resist. Put on some soft instrumental music or soothing sounds, and let yourself get lost in the melody. This can help you relax and unwind, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Journaling is also a powerful mental health snack. Take a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help you process your emotions and gain greater insight into your inner world. You can also use journaling to set intentions for the day and practice self reflection.

Practising gratitude is another simple yet powerful mental health snack. When is that last time when you took a few minutes each day to focus on the things in your life that you are grateful for? This can help you cultivate a sense of appreciation and positivity, boosting your mood and overall well-being.

Engaging in a creative activity, whether it’s drawing, painting, writing, dancing or cooking, creative self- expression can help you tap into a sense of flow and ease. This can help you feel more energised and fulfilled.

Finally, talking to a trusted friend or family member is an essential mental health snack. Sometimes, simply venting to someone you trust can help you feel heard and understood. This can help you process your emotions and gain greater clarity about your thoughts and feelings.

Step out of your office and move away from  stress Photo by Collins Lesulie

Mental health snacks are the small hinges which swing huge doors into your wellbeing

Mental health snacks can be likened to tiny hinges that swing big doors. Just like how small hinges can have a significant impact on opening and closing large doors, mental health snacks, although seemingly small and simple, can have a significant impact on our overall mental well-being. These small actions and activities, when practiced regularly, can help us cope with stress, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve our mood and outlook on life.

For example, taking a few deep breaths, practicing gratitude, or having your lunch in the park instead of at your desk, may seem small and insignificant, but they can have a significant impact on our mental health, allowing us to open big doors of opportunity and potential in our lives. Mental health snacks are not meant to be a cure-all solution, but rather a small step towards a happier, healthier lifestyle. So, just like how tiny hinges play a crucial role in opening big doors, taking small steps towards mental health can lead to significant positive changes in our lives.

While you are already aware of your how important your emotional well-being is, finding the time for yourself is a matter is a real challenge. Introducing a few mental health snacks into your daily routine takes self-discipline How difficult could be to take a few minutes each day to prioritize your mental health? If you want build greater resilience and lead a happier, healthier life, you need to be intentional about enjoying these little mental health snacks, anticipating them and making them your new ‘normal’.

Identify moments throughout the day for mental health snacks:

When could you take a few minutes throughout your day where you can incorporate mental health snacks?This could be during your morning routine, lunch break, or before bed. Identifying these moments is your first step to intentionally set aside time for self-care and make it a priority.

Create a mental health snack toolkit:

This could include a journal, calming essential oils, a coloring book, or a playlist of calming music. When you create a mental health snack basket, add easy, fun items that help you relax and feel calm. Have your a “basket” on hand to make it easier to incorporate your favourite mental health snacks into your routine, no matter where you are.

Make mental health snacks a daily habit:

Consistency is key when it comes to mental health snacks. Make it a daily habit to enjoy at least one mental health snack into your routine. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths when you wake up in the morning or practicing gratitude before you go to bed. Over time, these small actions can add up to a big impact on your emotional well-being.

Remember, mental health snacks are all about taking small, intentional actions throughout the day to prioritize your emotional well-being. By incorporating them into your routine, you can build greater resilience and lead a happier, healthier life.

Incorporating mental health snacks into your daily routine can have numerous benefits for your emotional well-being. Here are just a few of the benefits:

Reduced stress and anxiety:

Taking regular mental health snacks throughout the day can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing you with moments of relaxation and mindfulness. By intentionally taking time for yourself, you can help manage feelings of overwhelm and promote greater emotional resilience.

Increased focus and productivity:

When you prioritize your emotional well-being, you may find that you have increased focus and productivity throughout the day. By taking small breaks to practice self-care, you can recharge and refresh your mind, leading to greater mental clarity and productivity.

Improved overall well-being and quality of life:

Incorporating mental health snacks into your routine can lead to improved overall well-being and quality of life. When you prioritize your emotional health, you may find that you have more energy, feel more positive, and have greater life satisfaction.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health, yet it is often overlooked in our fast-paced world. According to the World Health Organization, around one in four people globally will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. Mental health issues can range from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

snack mental health could be as simple as watching a bird on a tree branch Photo by Melissa Burovac

Even celebrities, who seemingly have it all, are not immune to mental health struggles. The late Robin Williams, one of the most beloved actors of his generation, battled with depression and anxiety for many years before his tragic suicide in 2014. Williams was known for his quick wit and infectious humor, but behind the scenes, he struggled with the pressures of fame and personal struggles that eventually took a toll on his mental health.

Stories like Robin Williams’ serve as a reminder that mental health is something that affects us all, regardless of our status in life. It is essential to prioritize our emotional well-being and seek help when we need it. Many celebrities, including Williams, have spoken out about their struggles with mental health in the hopes of reducing stigma and encouraging others to seek help.

Incorporating mental health snacks into your routine is just one way to prioritize your emotional well-being. By taking small, intentional actions throughout the day, you can reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and productivity, and improve your overall well-being and quality of life. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out for help and support.

taking a walk with your dog is a a treat for your mental health Photo by Leio McLaren

Celebrities who struggle with mental health

Today’s biggest stars are opening up about their struggles with mental illness, sharing their candid stories and showcasing their bravery in speaking openly about their conditions. Raising awareness on mental health plays a crucial role in understanding what you can do to prevent anxiety, stress and poor mental health. Mental health struggles are not limited to just one group of people or demographic. Many celebrities have spoken out about their experiences with mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. By sharing their stories, they have helped to reduce stigma and encourage others to prioritise their emotional well-being.

According to the World Health Organization, around one in four people globally will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. Mental health issues can range from anxiety and depression to more severe conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Even celebrities, who seemingly have it all, are not immune to mental health struggles. The late Robin Williams, one of the most beloved actors of his generation, battled with depression and anxiety for many years before his tragic suicide in 2014. Williams was known for his quick wit and infectious humor, but behind the scenes, he struggled with the pressures of fame and personal struggles that eventually took a toll on his mental health.

Stories like Robin Williams’ serve as a reminder that mental health is something that affects us all, regardless of our status in life. It is essential to prioritize our emotional well-being and seek help when we need it. Many celebrities, including Williams, have spoken out about their struggles with mental health in the hopes of reducing stigma and encouraging others to seek help.

Incorporating mental health snacks into your routine is just one way to prioritize your emotional well-being. By taking small, intentional actions throughout the day, you can reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and productivity, and improve your overall well-being and quality of life. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out for help and support.

Lady Gaga has spoken publicly about her experiences with depression and anxiety, and how she has coped with these issues throughout her life. Gaga has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, and has used her platform to promote resources for those who may be struggling.

Dwayne Johnson “The Rock” has spoken about his experiences with depression, and how he has used exercise and other methods to manage his symptoms. He has encouraged others to seek help when needed and to prioritise their emotional well-being. Selena Gomez, Ryan Reynolds, and Demi Lovato openly spoke about their struggles with mental health to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.

It is important to remember that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of their status in life. Seeking help and prioritising your emotional well-being is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out for help and support.

When is the last time when you did something for yourself, have a mental health snack? In a world that is constantly moving and changing, it's no surprise that many of us struggle with maintaining our mental health. The pressures of daily life can take a toll on your emotional well-being, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Taking care of your mental health is crucial for your health and happiness. But what are the right steps to feel mentally fit and thrive in even the most challenging circumstances?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 05: (Exclusive Coverage) Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga perform live at Radio City Music Hall on August 05, 2021 in New York City. “One Last Time: An Evening With Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga” to air on CBS on Sunday, Nov 28 at 8pm ET. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for LN)

A book can make you happy: “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari

The New York Times Best Seller list features a variety of books on mental health that have resonated with readers around the world. These books tackle a wide range of topics related to mental health, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.

One of the most popular books on the list is “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, which explores the effects of trauma on the body and mind. This book has been praised for its insights into how trauma affects not just the mind, but also the body and how it provides practical strategies for healing.

Another widely-read book on the list is “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari, which investigates the root causes of depression and anxiety and proposes practical solutions for overcoming these conditions. This book has been praised for its groundbreaking research and accessible writing style.

The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle is another popular collection of book on the list, which emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and letting go of negative thoughts and emotions. This book has helped many readers find inner peace and a sense of calm in their daily lives.

Other notable books on the New York Times Best Seller list include “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown, “Mind Over Mood” by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky, and “Daring Greatly” also by Brené Brown.

These books on mental health offer readers valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiration for overcoming challenges related to mental health. They demonstrate the power of knowledge, empathy, and community in supporting individuals in their journey towards mental wellness.

Dr Marina Nani
Dr Marina Nani

Editor-in-Chief of Rich Woman Magazine, founder of Sovereign Magazine, author of many books, Dr Marina Nani is a social edification scientist coining a new industry, Social Edification.
Passionately advocating to celebrate your human potential, she is well known for her trademark "Be Seen- Be Heard- Be You" running red carpet events and advanced courses like Blog Genius®, Book Genius®, Podcast Genius®, the cornerstones of her teaching.
The constant practitioner of good news, she founded MAKE THE NEWS
( MTN) with the aim to diagnose and close the achievement gap globally.
Founder of many publications, British Brands with global reach Marina believes that there is a genius ( Stardust) in each individual, regardless of past and present circumstances.
"Not recognising your talent leaves society at loss. Sharing the good news makes a significant difference in your perception about yourself, your industry and your community."

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