When talking about mental health and how to improve it, often we think of the words therapy, medication, and seeking professional help.

Yes, all those mentioned are helpful ways to develop and maintain a good mental state.

But did you know that there are also simple, everyday things you could do to foster mental wellness, too?

Here are important mental health tips you should know.

Friendly disclaimer: This is a disclaimer that this article/video is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional if you are struggling.

1. Keep track of your emotions.

Do you notice you’ve been much more impatient lately?

Are you easily angered by trivial things?

Are you tired a lot?

Keeping track of what you feel every day may help in emotional management.

You may try journaling or writing down notes on your phone whenever something overwhelms you. 

A feelings diary, if you may.

• What triggered the emotion?

• What do you want to do?

• Has this happened anytime before?

These are just some of the questions you can ask yourself to evaluate and manage how you’re going to react.

2. Eat a balanced diet.

What comprises your daily meals?

If the answer is junk food or fast food, it might be the reason why get so moody sometimes.

The nutrients found in food can affect your brain chemistry, mood, memory, and cognitive function.

A balanced diet with a variety of nutrients can make you feel better, calmer, and more patient instantly!

As the saying goes, you are what you eat.

3. Learn how to say no.

A big part of cultivating better mental health is setting boundaries.

You may find it helpful to let go of the things that are weighing you down.

Do you have friends who make you feel unwanted? 

Are you often downplaying your own capabilities?

Do you feel forced to fit in?

It is time to say no for a change and put yourself first.

Instead, say yes to personal space, opinion, and emotional health.

4. Pamper yourself.

Sometimes, all you need is a good massage session. 

Self-care in the form of self-pampering is proven to have several benefits.

It can trigger the relaxation response which is a physiological reaction that calms your body.

It may also improve stress management which means less irritability, anxiety, and headaches.

When you’re always thinking about others before yourself, you’re at the risk of burnout.

So do your skincare routine, take a hot bath, and buy your favorite essentials because you deserve it.

5. Face your own bad habits and fix them.

Do you notice you’re always sabotaging your own self?

Procrastination, overthinking, and avoidance are types of self-sabotage, and it’s high time you address the reason for these kinds of behaviors.

One factor for developing unhealthy thinking patterns is setting goals too high for you to reach just yet.

Have you tried attempting to develop a regular exercise habit but stopping midway because it was too difficult?

Chances are you probably tried to do sets that were too advanced for you.

It’s important to take it one step at a time because consistency is key.

Little achievements are still achievements.

Discomfort is normal at first. It won’t feel that way a little later.

Try thinking of your negative thoughts as a piece of paper with writing. 

Whenever it shows up – crumple it, and throw it away.

Because you can challenge yourself and win it.

6. Don’t be afraid of asking for support.

Do you have a trustworthy support system?

It’s important to have someone to talk to.

It’s helpful if they know you, what your triggers are, and how to listen.

Having a good set of people around you can reduce stress, heart-related risks, and help you meet your companions for life.

They can offer you help when you need it.

A helping hand, for when you are struggling.

Remember that no one is completely alone and someone will always be available to help.

7. Practice gratitude.

At this moment, what are you most grateful for?

People who practice gratitude are more likely to experience positive emotions, sleep better, and express themselves more.

It is a really simple mental task but does magic to your own emotional health.

Try this: Think about three things you’re grateful for. 

What is it?

How does it make you feel?

What can you do to move it forward?

You can try doing this at night to reflect on what happened throughout your day.

Even the act of keeping a gratitude journal can increase your life satisfaction.

It is simple but so important in daily life. 

8. Have a regular exercise schedule.

Did you know that walking for 30 minutes a day has a significant positive effect on your health?

Yes, even the simple act of walking does wonders.

Moving your body is so important.

It helps reduce heart disease, manage your insulin levels, and improve your overall mood.

What’s good about exercise is that you can do it any time of the day.

A good amount of time is 30 minutes, and you’re good to go.

Let’s move!

What time of the day do you prefer exercising?

9. Practice communicating your anger in a better way.

One method you can do is pausing before responding.

If it’s an online setting: think before you click send.

Anger is your body’s natural response to threat.

Your adrenaline is high, muscles are tightened, and your heart rate is increased.

It becomes a problem when you don’t know how to manage it well.

You end up screaming, being violent, or not welcoming a healthy debate.

Whenever you feel angry, try to remember: pause, breathe, think, and respond.

You can’t communicate well if you let your emotions get the best of you.

10. Let go of grudges.

It’s never easy to let go of something you’ve been holding onto for quite some time.

But, like what was said earlier, you need to set little goals for yourself to take a step towards improvement.

If you’re not ready to let go of previous bitterness, take your time.

As long as you’re continuously putting the effort of getting through it.

When you let go of a grudge, you will be able to form healthier relationships, better mental health, and improved self-esteem.

So, even though you don’t think you can do it right now, always remember that you can in the future, and you will.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Do you think these tips can help you or someone you know?

Which tip do you agree with?

Please share your experiences in the comment section below. We appreciate hearing your thoughts.

If you want to read more on this topic, you can check out:

• 6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
• 7 Mental Health Lessons You Learn Later in Life
• How to Create a Healthy Home to Enhance Mental Health

Thank you for reading. Until next time!

REFERENCES:

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