The state of your mental health is as important as any other aspect of your health. Mental health encompasses your overall outlook, how you feel about yourself, and your attitude towards life. Just like our bodies, a key element to achieving our optimal quality of life is finding happiness through mental fitness.

Happy, optimistic, and resilient people are generally likely to have more positive and healthy relationships with others and are also more likely to lead healthier lives.

But, just as with physical health, maintaining a healthy mental state takes effort.

There are several things you can do to keep your mental health strong. We must take care of ourselves and our bodies, first. Being overweight, eating an unhealthy diet, and not getting enough exercise are all factors that can negatively impact your mental health. For most though, all of these can be taken care of yet we still battle on a daily basis, such as those affected with autoimmune conditions, where there may be years of trauma associated with being told to eat less and workout more.

Secondly, it’s essential to make time each day to do something you enjoy. Going outside for a walk, watching your favorite movie, or reading a good book can all brighten your mood and make you happy.

What other ways can you find happiness through mental fitness? Try these:

1. Eat properly. Compulsive overeating can take a toll on your mental health. People who eat anything they can find rather than watch what they put into their bodies are more susceptible to depression, anxiety, and other problems. And all these things cause a person to lose his joy in life.

• Instead, eat healthy foods that make you feel full without filling you up with extra calories. One of the fastest ways to find happiness is to eat nutritiously.

2. Get as much rest as your body needs. Many people believe that sleep is a waste of time, but it’s one of the few times where your body can recharge itself. Usually, we sleep about eight hours every night, but this might not be enough depending on your unique body.

• Because time is precious and we don’t want to waste it, try to go to bed as early as possible. If you don’t have the habit of getting enough rest each night, start small. For example, go to bed thirty minutes earlier or limit the amount of time you play video games.

3. Treat yourself as you would a best friend. Many people ignore taking care of themselves and consider their bodies only when they fall sick. That’s a recipe for disaster! It’s best to put yourself into the habit of listening to your body.

• If something hurts or doesn’t feel right, see a doctor. Also, do your best to stay away from negative influences and unhealthy people.

• While it may be tempting to hang out with people who stress you out, this will only make you more miserable. Instead, try to be around happy people who respect you for who you are.

4. Follow a good exercise routine that fits your situation. Exercising consistently will help you stay healthy and fit. It will also boost your mood and improve your energy levels. Swimming and jogging are examples of exercises that will also help you keep your mind in shape.

• Exercise can help you find happiness by improving your mood and reducing stress. While it strengthens your mental health, exercise also nourishes your physical health.

5. Set goals. Your goals can help you stay focused, happy, and productive. For example, you might want to set a goal to learn a new language. The more you practice, the easier it will be.

• Your dedication will help you reach your goal, and you will learn valuable things along the way.

Mental fitness is just as crucial to your overall well-being as physical health. Studies show that physical activity and mental wellness can benefit the mind, body, and soul. Physical activity releases endorphins, which make you feel happy and energized.

Exercise can also help reduce the risk of depression. Because exercise releases endorphins, you may not feel as stressed or anxious. The bottom line is, being able to find happiness through mental fitness can — and will — make you live your best life and be true to yourself.