1. Make Time For Yourself
Taking time out for yourself is one both one of the most obvious as well as one of the most complicated ways to improve your mental health. As a society, we are such a go, go, go culture that slowing down and taking time for you is hard. Try taking a break after work or after a project around the house – sit and enjoy a cup of tea or a few minutes of quiet. If you need, literally add a time on your calendar each day that specifically says it’s you time. Set boundaries for yourself limiting how often you check your phone. Make sure you carve out time for yourself to take a deep breath, relax, recharge and feel good about yourself.
2. Be Active
Move your body! Dance around your house, go for a walk outside (or do laps around the mall), do some yoga, take a fitness class or download an app that has classes to follow. Even just 30 minutes a day can have a positive effect on your mental health.
3. Resist The Urge To Compare Yourself To Others
In the age of social media, it is hard to not compare yourself to others. Whether it be a comparison of body image, careers or personal goals, know that everyone is on a different journey. Being proud of your accomplishments and progress is a key part of maintaining positive mental health.
4. Seek Out Positive Reinforcement
When you find hobbies and things that make you happy, keep at it – celebrate the moments that make you feel happy. This in time can help offset any negative feelings that may be popping up.
5. Cut Down On Stressors In Your Life
Stress can play a huge part in your mental health. Identify the things in your life that regularly stress you out or cause despair and seek to eliminate or resolve them. Make a list and figure out the source of stress. This is a difficult and on going task but it will make a huge difference in your mental health.
6. Connect With Others
Spending time with family and friends is a great way to assist in great mental health, so long as the source of stress isn’t coming from that direction. Human connection is important. It’s important to find that connection in other ways also. Start by volunteering or joining a social club (book club, cooking class, etc). Find hobbies that challenge you and allow you to interact with others.
7. Manage Your Emotions
Although your natural instincts may want you to run from or ignore any problems or issues that come up in your life, it is best to deal with it. Ignoring a problem or new stressor can cause both physical and emotional distress. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, journal, talk with a therapist or counselor, write down a list of possible outcomes and solutions for the problem or dilemma you are facing. Sometimes seeing something on paper can give a different perspective.
2023 is only just getting started and many people use the new year as a fresh start. Keep these tips handy!
I hope this list is a helpful tool for you to reference and I’d love to know if you’ve tried any of these tips to help improve your mental health.
Be well, Stef
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