It’s not too late to make a new resolution or start a new habit to boost your mental health. Whatever your goals may be, you’re more likely to achieve them if you’re starting with a foundation of good mental health habits.
These habits can help you improve your mental well-being and reduce unhealthy stress. You may already practice some of them, but if not, you don’t need to implement them all right now — the important thing is to make progress. Just one new healthy practice can help you become a better version of yourself.
1. Seek out opportunities for movement
Movement isn’t just good for your physical health. It’s also important for your mental health. If gym memberships and fitness classes don’t appeal to you, that’s OK — there are plenty of other ways to get moving, both on your own and around other people.
Some people like to move during “waiting moments” and rest breaks throughout the day, such as while they’re waiting for a kettle to boil or loved ones to come home or taking a break during the workday. You could do stretches, chair exercises, or marches on the spot. Playing games like tag with your loved ones, treasure hunting with Geocaching, or visiting the park can also count as movement.
2. Spend more time in nature
Time in nature can significantly aid your mental health. If you think you could use a nature boost, think about making plans to go hiking regularly or take more frequent walks around your neighborhood. You can also bring nature into your home with new houseplants or gardening.
3. Make regular plans with your loved ones
Social connections are important for our mental health, even if not every conversation goes well. Planning things you can look forward to together with your loved ones can add to your sense of hope and ability to cope with the harder parts of life.
4. Volunteer in your community
Volunteering often allows you to contribute to your community in a positive way and take your mind off of your own problems. That’s wonderful for your mental health, and you’ll be helping the people around you, too.
5. Do random acts of kindness
Everyone benefits from kindness, including the giver. Knowing you’ve made someone else’s day a little better can boost your mood and reduce your stress, even if the other person doesn’t know it was you. Kindness can also be a good way to strengthen your connections with the people around you.
6. Try something new
New experiences are generally good for your mental health, especially if you get outside of your comfort zone. This habit is a little bit more vague than most, but it also allows for a lot of creative interpretations.
For instance, you could commit to trying a new outdoor activity every month or trying different routes to walk your dog each week — these habits are also great ways to seek out opportunities for movement. Or you could attend regular classes or meetups for a hobby you’ve never tried before, or even challenge yourself to host different types of events for your friends.
7. Prioritize sleep
Sleep helps with just about every aspect of your physical health, mental health, and ability to do the things you need to do well. You can improve your chances of getting good sleep by sticking to a sleep schedule to the best of your ability and avoiding blue light exposure from electronic devices before bedtime. If you’re struggling with chronic insomnia or other sleep issues, it might be time to talk to a doctor.
8. Plan for a balanced diet
You’ve probably heard this before, but a balanced diet can make you feel much better. Eating a variety of nutritious foods and plenty of water tends to lead to more energy and focus throughout the day. For some people, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption also helps.
9. Create a mindfulness or gratitude practice
Studies have shown that mindfulness and gratitude practices have numerous benefits for our mental health. Some people like to write down what they’re grateful for, but you can also simply replay a short list in your mind — among other benefits, your practice will likely make you happier over time. There is a wide range of well-established mindfulness practices out there, from mindfulness meditation to movement-based practices to meditations based on religious traditions.
10. Seek out care for any mental health challenges you’ve been experiencing
There’s no need to suffer alone. If you are struggling with your mental health, it’s worth it to seek out mental healthcare. There are many resources for affording treatment and places where you can get mental health assistance in Washington. The right treatment can help you recover faster or move forward to a more fulfilling life.
Sunrise Services offers a wide range of care services, including mental and behavioral health services in Washington State’s Snohomish, Skagit, Island, and Whatcom Counties. Contact us today if you’re seeking mental health care.
Contact Us