Simple Habits That Will Improve Your Mental Health
Life is hard, but developing habits that boost your mental heath can make day-to-day life more manageable.
get outside
Photo by Roman Ska
There’s nothing better than a walk outside when you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Being in nature has this incredible ability to boost your mood, reduce stress, and clear your mind. It's like hitting the reset button on your mental well-being. Whether you're hiking in the mountains, taking a stroll on the beach, or simply chilling in a park, being outdoors helps you disconnect from the stressors of daily life and reconnect with yourself.
Action: When you’re in need of a mood reset, take a quick walk or open a window to let in the fresh air.
Journal
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One of my favorite ways to quiet my mind when I’m anxious is to journal. When I write down my thoughts, I find myself able to see my problems clearer; it’s much easier to navigate any stress I’m dealing with.
Action: When you feel the need to get rid of mental clutter, write down whatever you’re thinking in a journal or on a piece of paper.
Spend time with loved ones
Photo by RDNE Stock project
It’s easy to fall into a dark space when you’re anxious, and being alone through tough times like these doesn’t make it any better. Having a friendly face to share your worries with can help give you peace of mind.
Action: Reach out to a friend or family member for advice when you’re feeling down. If you’re not looking for advice, ask a friend or family member to simply hang out. Sometimes being in the company of a loved one is enough to make us feel better.
In some cases, we may not have anyone to confide in. If you feel this way, try participating in community volunteer events to get social interaction.
Meditate
Photo by Jep Gambardella
Meditating is a great way to raise your vibration, control negative emotions, and reduce stress.
Action: If you’re tense, worried, or stressed, take a few minutes out of your day to do a mindful meditation practice. For beginners, follow a guided meditation practice on Youtube.
Unplug
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Don’t get me wrong, I love me some TikTok; social media can be a great way to connect with peers. But when you’re always looking at what other people got going on in their lives, you may start comparing yourself to them. This can trigger unwanted anxieties that may have a negative impact on your mental health.
Action: Try to set aside time each day to disconnect from not only social media, but your phone too. I personally don’t use my phone for the first hour after I wake up and an hour before I go to bed.
Instead, take mindful breaks and do things like exercising and reading, which help boost your mood.
5 Minute Yoga Quickie For When You Need A Break
