“If you take care of your mind, you take care of the world.”
— Arianna Huffington
In honor of mental health awareness month, we wanted to share some general things we can all do to invest in and improve our mental health. These daily practices have shown to positively impact mental health.
It’s often quoted that mental health is more about the journey than the destination. If that’s true, then it is safe to assume that what you do on that journey is of equal importance. Oftentimes, people focus on the big picture rather than the small details it took to get there.
The decisions we make daily are just as important as the big choices we make periodically.
While mental health can sometimes consist of a long journey, here are 10 daily practices to improve your mental health:
- Exercise. Find time to get moving for at least 15 minutes each day. You’ll not only feel good physically, but it can also help clear your mind.
- Establish a sleep routine. Having enough rest is extremely important. If you’re unable to establish a strict bedtime routine, at least try to get a consistent number of hours each night.
- Eat Intentionally. I chose “intentionally” for a reason. How you eat is just as important as what you eat. Choosing meals that fuel your body, while also taking intentional time to enjoy it is necessary to give your body the time and attention it needs.
- Spend time outside. Let’s face it, seasonal depression is a real thing! Science proves the benefits of having time to get some fresh air.
- Take time for gratitude. Even when things are tough, there’s always something to be grateful for each day. Taking time to intentionally notice the positive things can help improve your overall mood.
- Take time to laugh. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Whether it’s a funny movie, podcast, or quick chat with a friend, having something or someone to make you laugh can be a huge mood booster.
- Get organized. This can be as detailed as you’d like! Whether it’s organizing your day or simply organizing your desk, there’s something therapeutic about some form of organization.
- Drink water. Simple, but important! Staying hydrated is key for not just your physical health, but also your mental health.
- Quiet your mind. We can easily fall into the trap of a non-stop routine. Taking some time each day to quiet your mind is a great way to reset.
- Be present. In addition to the non-stop routine, we can also fall into the trap of constantly being future focused. Be intentional about being present where you are.
Written by: Salima Hart
