7 SIMPLE Hacks To Improve Your Mental Health

Do you ever feel like life is a demanding juggling act, and your mental health is one of those balls precariously teetering on the verge of dropping? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the daily grind and neglect to take care of ourselves. But taking care of your mind is as important as taking care of your body, wouldn’t you agree? 

With that said, here are 7 simple hacks you can do every day to cultivate more mental wellness in your life:

Disconnect to Connect

Too much screen time can leave your mind buzzing with a virtual chaos before your feet even touch the floor, so start your day right with a tech detox! Instead of grabbing your phone first thing when you wake up, savor the morning serenity – feel the sunlight, enjoy your coffee, stretch, and breathe. Disconnect to connect with the world around you, fostering calmness and mindfulness. Break free from the digital buzz to make more room in your life for the present moment and your real-life experiences. Your mental well-being will thank you.

Mindful Me-Time

Carve out a slice of your day just for you. Whether it’s sipping tea, reading a book, tending to your plants, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation, these moments of mindfulness are like mini-vacations for your brain. In a world filled with constant noise, embracing moments of silence can be a game-changer for your mental health. For an hour or two each day, take some time to just be with yourself and do whatever you want. Don’t let the pressure of any deadlines or things to do take away your sense of inner peace. Think of this as a reset button for your mind, allowing it to rejuvenate and recharge.

Soak Up Some Sun

You know what’s another great way to instantly boost your mood? Go for a walk and soak up some sun. When sunlight hits your skin, it kickstarts the production of serotonin – the happy hormone. And when you take a walk, your brain gets a flood of oxygen and relaxes. Even better if you can find somewhere with a lot of green, like a park or a garden. All of these things are scientifically proven to improve your mental health. The best part? They’re free and easy to do every day!

Song and Dance Break

Both singing and dancing are great feel-good activities that can help you let loose and feel happier. Singing releases a burst of mood-boosting hormones like dopamine and endorphins in your brain. And dancing is both a great way to work out and express yourself. So next time you’re in need of a mental health boost, try singing in the shower or having a dance party in your room! It doesn’t matter if you’re any good; it’s all about feeling joyful and having fun!

Follow the Good Feeling

Self-help expert Esther Hicks says that our emotions are our guides and they help us know when we’re aligned with our true self. Joy is considered a guiding compass in life, and doing what brings you joy is a powerful way to stay in tune with the flow of positive energy. So trust your gut and follow the good feeling. Every day, do something that gives you joy as a way of taking care of your mental health. Invest in hobbies and relationships that make you feel good about yourself.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Counting your blessings isn’t just for Thanksgiving. In fact, many psychologists recommend keeping a gratitude journal or diary of good-feeling things to help you focus more on the positive aspects of yourself and your life. So every day, be it at the start or the end, write down at least three things that you’re grateful for or made you happy. It’s a simple but scientifically-proven hack to increase your happiness and improve your emotional resiliency.

Random Acts of Kindness

Engaging in acts of kindness, whether big or small, can create a ripple effect of positivity. Research shows that doing something nice for others not only brightens their day but also gives your own mental well-being a boost. It’s like a positivity boomerang – what goes around, comes around. So spread kindness like confetti! It’s free after all, and you only have good karma to gain.

Simple but scientifically proven, add these practices to your mental health toolkit and watch your well-being flourish. Which of these hacks are you excited to try first? Have any personal tips of your own to share? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

• Chaney, S. (2023 Aug 2). “Why You Shouldn’t Check Your Phone When You Wake Up.” Make Use Of. Retrieved from https://www.makeuseof.com/you-shouldnt-check-phone-wake-up/#:~:text=If%20you%20check%20your%20phone,side%20effects%20throughout%20your%20day.
• Wenk, G. (2022 Feb 26). “Walking on Sunshine: The Light of Day Improves Mental Health”. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-food/202202/walking-sunshine-the-light-day-improves-mental-health
• Arogundade (2015 Dec 20). “The Mental Health Benefits of Singing & Dancing.” Mental Health Apps & Articles by 365 Positivity. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealthapps.co.uk/mental-health-benefits-singing-dancing-facts.html
• Chowdhury, M. R. (2019 Apr 9). “The Neuroscience of Gratitude and Effects on the Brain.” Positive Psychology. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/
• Hicks, E., & Hicks, J. (2020). The Astonishing Power of Emotions: Let Your Feelings Be Your Guide. Hay House, Inc.
• Sreenivasan, S. & Weinberger, L. E. (2017 Dec 16). “Why Random Acts of Kindness Matter to Your Well-being.” Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/201711/why-random-acts-kindness-matter-your-well-being