Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and the content within my blog posts focused on mental health are for informational purposes only and suggestions. Any health concern must be assessed by a doctor. If you think you require assessment, call your doctor or local emergency department immediately. Reliance on any information provided by this content is solely at your own risk.
May is mental health awareness month. As a former teacher and mental health counselor, I understand the importance of implementing certain things into our lifestyle to improve our mental health. There’s been so many changes happening around the world and that can have a major effect on mental health. So, I felt inspired to share 10 tips to improve your mental health.
1. Get Outside:
It’s imperative that you find ways to get outside at least once a day for your mental health. The sunlight and fresh air has a way of improving your mood. Getting the vitamin D from the sunlight can help improve your mental focus, fight off anxiety and depression, and reduce stress. Going outside daily might not be something you are used to doing, so intentionally schedule that time into your day. For example, take your lunch break and walk outside, walk the dog around the neighborhood in the morning, listen to a quick podcast episode while sitting outside on your porch, sit outside in your yard while the kids play, etc. You can also add getting outside in your planner or set an alarm on your phone.
2. Establish a New Morning Routine:
If you don’t have a morning routine you should establish one that works for you. Having a good morning routine sets the tone for a productive day. When I started establishing a morning routine, I felt my mental health improve. I would wake up feeling happier because I knew my morning routine was dedicated to doing things that fill up my cup like sipping on hot tea and journaling. Before you’re hit with all the demands of the day from your job, kids, etc. you want to have a good morning routine in place. Check out my blog post 10 Morning Routine Habits
3. Lunch with Friends:
Staying connected with close friends is so important to your mental health. I like to connect with some of my close friends at least 1x a month. I always feel a lot happier after I’ve had a meet up with my friends. If you’re unable to physically meet up with your friends, schedule a virtual meet up where you have a zoom call together. You can even decide on a fun theme like “Tea Time” where y’all sip on tea during the virtual call and chat. Make it a priority to meet up with friends whether it’s in person or virtual.
4. Stay Hydrated/Eat Well:
This may seem simple, but it’s so important to stay hydrated and eat well. You want to make sure you protect your immune system by drinking lots of water throughout the day and eating nutrient rich superfoods! Drinking water and eating well has a great way of improving your mental health. For example, have you ever had a delicious, healthy meal and felt refreshed and rejuvenated after?
5. Take Breaks from Social Media and News Outlets:
Be intentional about the amount of time you spend on social media and new outlets. It can be mentally draining if you consume too much and your mental health matters! Check out my blog post 6 Ways to Maintain Healthy Boundaries with Social Media
6. Practice Gratitude:
Practicing gratitude can change the way you look at life. With so many changes going on in the world, it’s important to take time out of your day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. If you have children, be sure to check out my blog post 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude with Your Children.
7). Schedule a Therapy Session:
It’s okay to schedule a therapy session. You don’t have to wait until you feel overwhelmed, stressed, depressed, etc. to schedule a therapy session. I believe therapy can have so many benefits for all people. Therapy is a great outlet to express your feelings and learn new patterns of thinking. I encourage you to take time to do some research on potential professional therapists in your area.
8).Establish Boundaries:
It’s important to be clear on the boundaries in your life to protect your positive energy. When you’re not clear on your boundaries you can find yourself feeling drained. So make sure you:
- Define your boundaries
- Trust your instincts
- Don’t feel guilt for saying no
- Communicate your boundaries to others
9). Exercise:
There are a lot of ways to get some exercise throughout the day. Be gentle with yourself and realistic on your workout goals. Start slow and then increase. For example, you can do a short walk around your neighborhood every day for 15 minutes. Exercising and getting your body moving can improve your physical health and mental health.
10). Give Yourself Grace:
Give yourself a lot of grace and love yourself. You’re doing the best you can. Don’t be hard on yourself. Everyday is a new day.
I hope that these tips to improve mental health were helpful. Make sure you make your mental health a priority everyday. Also, be sure to check out this self-care planner by Silk and Sonder. It can help help you prioritize your mental health and self-care HERE.
XO,
Ashley
