Do you use habits to improve your mental health? Habits have been proven to boost your mental health by healthcare professionals.
Everyone can struggle with mental health. These habits will help you cope with everyday life, whether you struggle with anxiety or bipolar disorder, etc.
These 8 Powerful Habits to Improve Your Mental Health were all recommended to me by my psychiatrist. Therefore, I can vouch that they do indeed work.
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Habits to Improve Your Mental Health
1. Create structure and routine in your life
This is the number one habit that has helped me manage my mental health. However, I am not afraid to admit that there is space for improvement.
Routine has been proven to lighten your cognitive load and leave more space for relaxation as well as creativity.
Tips for creating structure and routine:
- Keep your nighttime and daytime separate with proper routines for each.
- Structure your sleep routine.
- Do a relaxing activity before bed such as reading.
- Have electronic silence before bed (TikTok doom scrolling before bed is my downfall *facepalm*)
2. Move your body
I know, exercising sucks. But I cannot ignore the significance it can have on your mental health.
Exercising releases neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which has a direct effect on your mood.
Start by exercising three times a week for a short period of time and you will see the difference.
Side note: Remember to get that vitamin D. Sun exposure is important.
3. Nutrition
You are what you eat. Unfortunately, that is true. If you constantly eat junk food, you will feel like junk.
Maintain a balanced meal. I still have my greasy pizza on occasion. But for the majority of the week, you should maintain a balance.
Have you drank water today? (No, coffee is not water. That is a lie I tell myself way too much). Believe it or not, hydration has an effect on your mental wellbeing.
A few more notes:
- A vitamin pill is not equal to a banana.
- Avoid too much caffeine (Just because I do not follow this one does not mean it does not have benefits).
- Control your sugar intake.
- Avoid ‘downers’ such as alcohol. (I would be careful with alcohol. I have experienced seasons of depression where I consume more alcohol than usual. Do not fall into the temptation of numbing your feelings for a short high only to fall harder #beingrealwithsteph).
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4. Get into the habit of good personal hygiene
Have you ever been so down that showering seemed like too much effort? I can relate. The smallest task can become the hardest when you struggle with mental health. That is why creating habits to improve your mental health is crucial.
Luckily, today’s society has become more understanding of mental health struggles. But that does not mean you shouldn’t try to maintain a normal life.
You can be functionally dysfunctional.
So what should you do:
- Shower daily
- Get dressed and do your hair daily
- Pyjamas are not everyday clothes
- Make your bed every day
- Wear something comfortable
5. Don’t disconnect
Whenever our mental health is worsening we have the habit of withdrawing from society and isolating ourselves.
It is a big mistake because we give ourselves more time to drown in our own thoughts. Honestly, we cannot handle that.
A few tips for connecting:
- Stay connected to people who do not drain you. Your supportive network should not overwhelm you. Surround yourself with people who understand and care about you.
- Connect with spiritual leaders or groups.
- Get a pet! I cannot express how helpful this is. I have two dogs who are my children. They have carried me through the worst times of my life. I do not know where I would be without them, honestly. I am forever grateful to them. They have saved me on more than one occasion.
- Talk to a professional. This is a pricey option, unfortunately. But I do believe in psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy. Therapists often help you see things from a clearer perspective. My psychiatrist has helped me understand myself more and why I do what I do.
6. Stimulate your brain
Keep on learning. It has been proven that if you stop learning your brain matter will shrink.
Read and expand your knowledge. You need to exercise your brain just as you exercise your body; use both habits to improve your mental health.
This could also be in the form of learning a new skill, which will have the added benefit of relaxation and stress reduction. For example, herb gardening, cooking, or knitting (this starter knit kit is adorable!).
7. Set boundaries and keep to them
Boundaries are essential in every aspect of your life:
- Create boundaries with work – you should work to live and not live to work. Realize that work should not infiltrate your personal life.
- Set boundaries with toxic people – you are in control of who you allow in your life.
- Be selective with your trusted circle – only share things selectively.
- Have boundaries with your finances.
8. Work on your self-esteem
This is not so much a habit but it falls under habits to improve your mental health, in my opinion.
Healthy self-talk is a good habit, also one I am working on. I am analytical, an overachiever, and a perfectionist. These three traits have not been kind to me in the past. If I did not meet my own expectations, I would mistreat myself.
Do not become a floor rag. What I mean by this is:
- Don’t overcompensate.
- Don’t over-apologize or over-explain.
- And most of all, do not people please.
Avoid wishy-washy statements like should have, could have, would have. This does not drive motivation or confidence.
Conclusion
You can be functionally dysfunctional.
Mental health is as important and real as physical health. We should take care of our brains and that starts by creating habits to improve your mental health.
I’ll end this week’s post with a quote:
You have to make a choice to take a chance to make a change – Jim Rowan.
Take care of yourselves
Love, Steph.
