May 17, 2024

10 Habits That Boost Mental Health

Mental health struggles can be extremely difficult to handle. Whether you experience the occasional period of hard times or you battle the challenges that life brings, learning how to boost your mental health can be a game-changer.

If you’re ready to begin adopting new habits to improve your overall mental health, consider these:

Make getting good, quality sleep a top priority.

Sleep is foundational for your overall sense of well-being. If you aren’t getting enough good, quality sleep on a regular basis, you won’t feel well – physically or mentally. Establish a bedtime routine that relaxes you, commit to a regular bedtime, and keep this habit going for best results. It’s easier to feel your best when you’re well-rested.

Start setting boundaries and enforcing them with others.

Tell other people your comfort levels and limitations by expressing them as personal boundaries. And enforce them with others. Doing this can feel uncomfortable at first – sometimes speaking up can feel like you’re “being difficult” or “acting pushy” – but you aren’t. You are protecting your sense of well-being and mental health.

Give yourself permission to rest and take breaks.

In a world that prioritizes working 24/7 and multitasking, give yourself the kindness of resting and taking breaks. Similar to a good sleep habit, being in the habit of resting and taking breaks ensures that you have enough physical and mental energy to keep working. Pushing yourself too hard can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health.

Establish some routines and stick with them.

Create a daily routine that provides some structure and predictability in your everyday life. Having a routine can reduce feelings of chaos and increase a sense of control, especially when other aspects of your life might feel out of your control. Routines can provide a great sense of mental comfort when you need it most.

Stay connected to others.

Foster and maintain positive relationships with your friends and family members. Social connections contribute to a sense of belonging and emotional support, which is crucial for human beings’ mental health. Make time for friends and family, even in a digital world, by regularly making plans to meet with them face-to-face.

Make sure you’re setting realistic goals for yourself.

Break down your larger goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Setting realistic and attainable goals can boost your sense of accomplishment and motivation. Sometimes, people set their sights on massive goals that feel too big to actually reach. This can kill motivation and damage mental health when it doesn’t feel like you’re making progress toward them. Smaller, realistic goals can support mental health by realizing the positive effects connected to meeting the smaller, measurable steps.

Limit the amount of screen time you get each day.

Be mindful of how much screen time you’re getting, especially time spent scrolling on social media. Excessive use of technology devices and social media can contribute to feelings of inadequacy or anxiety. Set boundaries and take breaks from digital devices every day.

Express gratitude regularly.

Practice gratitude by reflecting on and appreciating the positive aspects of your life every day. Regularly acknowledging what you're thankful for can shift your focus toward positive experiences. Spend some time each evening reflecting on your day, what makes you feel grateful, and all the good things you have in your life. Not only does this habit increase your sense of well-being, but it is a positive influence on your overall attitude.

Seek support from a mental health professional.

Don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals can provide valuable support and guidance when your mental health needs it most. Professionals are trained to help you break down personal issues, explore emotions, and engage with your mental health needs in a positive and productive manner.

Engage in hobbies and activities you really enjoy.

Dedicate time to activities you enjoy. Your schedule shouldn’t be packed to the brim with only work, errands, tasks, and responsibilities. On the contrary, schedule time for fun activities that simply bring you happiness and joy. Hobbies and leisure activities contribute to a sense of fulfillment and can be a positive outlet for stress relief and a major positive boost to your mental health.

“Mental health is not a destination, it’s a journey.”

dhf 

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