21 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health
May ist Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, this month has been dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and we wanted to take this opportunity to provide some general information on how to improve your mental health in your daily life.
We have compiled a list of 21 tips to improve your mental health (bringing short-term relief and/or bringing long-term improvements in mental health). These suggestions are intended to help you establish a healthy and balanced lifestyle and are backed by research. Do you have additional ways of taking care of your mental health? We would love to hear about them in the comments below this post.
Remember, everyone’s mental health journey is unique, so it’s important to find what works for you and to seek professional help if you need it.
Now, without further ado, here are
21 ways to improve your mental health
Practice good sleep hygiene by sticking to a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing sleep environment.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Stay active. Exercise regularly to help reduce stress and improve overall physical and mental health.
Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Set realistic goals and prioritise tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Practice gratitude and positive self-talk.
Make social connection — especially face-to-face — a priority. Stay connected with friends and family and cultivate healthy relationships.
Find ways to learn and be creative. Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfilment.
Limit exposure to negative news or social media content.
Seek professional help if you are struggling with mental health issues.
Take breaks and practice self-care regularly.
Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
Seek out support groups or online communities.
Volunteer or engage in acts of kindness to promote a sense of purpose and meaning.
Learn to manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms.
Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
Get outside and spend time in nature.
Seek out therapy or counseling to work through underlying issues or trauma.
Take time to reflect and engage in self-exploration.
Stay organised and prioritise self-discipline.
Foster a sense of community and belonging in your life.
It could be helpful to schedule some of the activities listed above into your weekly plan, to ensure that taking care of your (mental) health becomes a priority. Be graceful with yourself if you don’t have the energy to do specific activities on this list.
What is something you love to do for your mental well-being? Let us know in the comments, it might help someone else out.
Disclaimer: This article has been written with the help of AI (ChatGPT Mar 23 Version). All sources the content has been derived from are listed below.SOURCESSleep hygiene: National Sleep Foundation - https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-hygiene | Healthy diet: Harvard Health Publishing - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626 | Exercise: Harvard Health Publishing - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/regular-exercise-changes-brain-improve-thinking-skills-201404097110 | Mindfulness: American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/07-08/ce-corner | Goal-setting: Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-s-mental-health-matters/201708/why-goal-setting-is-important-your-mental-health | Gratitude: Harvard Health Publishing - https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/in-praise-of-gratitude | Social connections: National Institute of Mental Health - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/social-support-and-mental-health/index.shtml | Hobbies and activities: Psychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/life-without-anxiety/201904/the-importance-having-hobby-you-enjoy | Limiting negative content: American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october | Professional help: National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Getting-Professional-Help | Self-care: American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org/topics/self-care | Substance abuse: National Institute on Drug Abuse - https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/comorbidity-substance-use-disorders-other-mental-illnesses | Support groups: National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups | Acts of kindness: University of California, Berkeley - https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you | Stress management: American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management | Positive thinking: Mayo Clinic - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950 | Nature exposure: Harvard Health Publishing - https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/sour-mood-getting-you-down-get-back-to-nature | Therapy/counseling: National Institute of Mental Health - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies/index.shtml | Self-exploration: American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org/topics/therapy/self-exploration | Self-discipline: Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2021/07/01/how-to-develop-self-discipline-11-proven-strategies-that-work/?sh=202cb25c7047 | Community: National Institute of Mental Health - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/community-impact-on-mental-health/index.shtmlFURTHER RESEARCHMental Health Foundation, https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/our-best-mental-health-tips, 05 May 2023 | http://www.bcmhsus.ca/about/news-stories/stories/10-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health, 05 May 2023 | https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/wellbeing/wellbeing/, 05 May 2023