Mental health is mental well-being that contributes to our quality of life. We can improve our mental health through self-care, prioritizing activities that help us increase our energy and decrease stress.
Here are 23 ways to improve your mental health:
1. Exercise. A simple 30-minute daily walk, especially in nature and sunshine, can give you energy.
2. Eat well. Eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables.
3. Drink water and green tea. Make sure to stay hydrated. Green tea has shown to decrease depressive symptoms.
4. Take in omega-3 fatty acids. They’re linked to decreased symptoms of depression.
5. Decrease alcohol consumption. Notice how it makes you feel.
6. Sleep. Keep to a routine and make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Use breathing techniques. Learn mindful breathing techniques to stay in the present.
8. Relax yourself. Read, listen to music, spend time in nature, or hang out with a pet.
9. Set goals. Chip away at them and feel accomplished when you achieve a goal.
10. Stay grateful. Practice gratitude. Keep a daily gratitude journal and write thank you notes to express gratitude.
11. Eliminate toxic thoughts. Challenge them.
12. Laugh and smile. Joke around or watch something funny.
13. Seek support. Reach out to supportive friends and family when you need it.
14. Plan a trip. Schedule a trip you can look forward to.
15. Take on a challenge. Do something you’re good at first. Then try the harder challenge. Take one step in the area so you’re not overwhelmed.
16. Try a creative outlet. Cook, write, paint, color, craft, or play an instrument. Do something you love.
17. Bond with someone. Show love for a partner or friend. Close relationships and time spent with loved ones keep us healthy.
18. Talk with a therapist. If you feel unhealed, process your emotions with a therapist.
19. Pick up your photo album. Reminisce about happy times.
20. Disconnect with technology and connect with life. Get off your phone or computer and connect with someone or with nature.
21. Journal. Write out your thoughts and feelings to process them.
22. Explore. Do something new, even if it’s in your own neighborhood for excitement.
23. Let go of what you can’t control when possible. Avoid dwelling on annoyances and find lessons in bigger problems.
Deb Falzoi
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