6 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health

Feeling good mentally is as important as feeling good physically. Although we’re becoming more aware of the importance of taking care of our mental health in the same way as we would our physical health, we’ve still got a way to go.

Even if you’re not ready to dive into therapy, here are 6 ways to help improve your mental health on a regular basis:

• Make time for you every day. We’re all so busy being busy that we’ve lost sight of the time we need to keep ourselves healthy. Whether you need to stop burning the candle at both ends so you can get some extra sleep or you need to find more time in your day to write in a journal or exercise, that reclaimed time will help improve your mental health.
• Weave vacation splurges into your routine. You know how there are certain things you love to do that you only do on vacation? Stop waiting. Find ways to fit the things that bring you joy and help you relax into your everyday life. Read a book under a tree for 15 minutes. Take a leisurely walk in the park. Sleep in for an extra hour on the weekend.
• Meditate. You may be surprised by what a few minutes of clearing your mind can do for your soul. Find a quiet place and just sit, clear your head and focus on your breathing. It may take some practice to get rid of those distracting thoughts, but it’s worth it.
• Be nice to yourself. We tend to be much harder on ourselves than we are on others. Cut yourself some slack and realize you’re only human. Set more realistic goals and let yourself enjoy a sense of accomplishment rather than always feeling like you’re striving for something out of reach.
• Talk to someone. Whether you are feeling stressed, sad or angry, talk it out. You may get some good insight or advice – or the conversation may simply give you a way to unload bottled up emotions. Either way, you’ll likely walk away feeling a better.
• Take a day off. It’s important to recognize when you need a mental health day – a day to relax, unwind and recharge. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and more productive. It’s good for you!