Sometimes when you’re not feeling like yourself, it can be really hard to press the reset button. However, there are some small and simple tasks that can set you on the right path.
Improving your mental isn’t something you can just snap your fingers and achieve. However, there are some small and simple habits in your everyday life that you can do to help slowly improve it.
From physical acts to mental exercises, there are many small things you can do to reach towards improving your mental health every day.
Let’s take a look at some of the best habits to improve your mental health.
10. Sleep – vital for general health
Getting the right amount of sleep every night is paramount to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It helps keeps your immune system strong, your heart healthy, and improves your attention and concentration.
This is one of the most vital habits to improve your mental health in the long run.
9. Exercise – healthy body, healthy mind
Exercise is proven to improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Plus, it is known to improve your overall mood and self-esteem.
Getting up and exercising, whether it’s in the comfort of your home or getting out in the world, is a great habit to keep up to make you feel healthier in both body and mind.
8. Meditate – start off small
Meditation isn’t for everyone, as it takes a lot of patience and focus. However, when your brain is working overtime, and your stress levels are high, meditation can alleviate stress and improve your focus and concentration.
Starting off with just five minutes of meditation a day is a great habit to get into to improve your mental health, and you will see over time how it is a great destresser.
7. Maintain relationships – prevent loneliness and isolation
When you’re feeling down, it’s often easy to let close relationships fall by the wayside. However, it’s so important to maintain the relationships with those closest to you and who you feel most comfortable with, as friends will increase your sense of belonging and purpose.
Face-to-face connections are particularly important. While messages over apps and social media are helpful, face-to-face interactions have significantly better results.
6. Healthy diet – your body and mind are connected
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is one of the greatest habits to improve your mental health. Studies have found that healthy diets improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Focus on plenty of fruits and vegetables, and your body and mind will thank you. This isn’t to say you can’t indulge in some sweet treats when the mood strikes; we all deserve it!
5. Read – a great way to relieve stress
Reading is a great way to alleviate stress. Instead of watching TV or scrolling through your phone, reading can actually lower your heart rate and reduce the tension in your muscles.
Reading can have a healing effect on both your mind and your body. It’s a great habit to get into to improve your mental health little by little every day.
4. Morning routine – a great day ahead
Having a morning routine is a great way to set you up for the day.
Whether it’s your skincare routine, preparing your breakfast, writing in your journal, whatever it is that provides you with comfort and a bit of happiness, a morning routine can leave you feeling bright and ready for the day.
3. Practice mindfulness – be present
Being present in the moment is one of the great habits to improve mental health. Yoga is a great way to practice mindfulness.
It helps us become more aware of our thoughts and feelings in the moment, forgetting about what’s going on outside of this moment in time. Instead of being overwhelmed by our feelings, practising mindfulness helps us take control of them.
2. Learn a new skill – improve your self-esteem
Learning new skills has been proven to boost self-confidence and raise self-esteem.
Not only does it help you affirm a sense of purpose, but it can also help you connect and build bonds with others.
1. Share your experience – you’re not alone
Studies have shown that there are so many benefits to sharing your experiences with your own mental health.
Whether it’s the peaks or the pits, sharing mental health stories can result in feelings of empowerment, enlightenment, connectedness, and hope.
When you realise you’re not alone, this is a huge step towards improving your mental health.