12 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

Mental health is essential for everyone’s well-being. In the past year COVID-19 brought forth new challenges and many are struggling with mental wellness as a result. But here’s some good news – there are things you can do at home if you’re struggling.

Here are ways to prioritize your mental health and cope with obstacles of COVID-19.

Start each day with self-love.

Be kind to yourself. Work on not comparing yourself to others, don’t worry about others’ opinions of you, and allow yourself to make mistakes. When you notice your thoughts going in a different direction, try to catch yourself and give yourself some love. 

Celebrate your small wins.

A win is a win, no matter how big or small. Celebrate the small wins that move you one step closer to your goals.

Say “no” when it doesn’t serve you.

You can absolutely say no to something that doesn’t serve you and your goals. Practice this effort without feeling guilty and know that you’re doing what’s best for you.

Get moving.

Exercise in any form is a great way to relieve stress. You can get a boost from endorphins during and after your workout. Exercise has been proven to improve mood, help you relax, lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

Create a peaceful work environment.

If you feel uprooted from working remote, create a peaceful environment as best you can. Add a personal touch to your workspace. Try to keep the space clean and organized, add plants, pictures or candles, and write down your to-do’s. You can even create a “relaxation” room to separate “work” from “home”.

Know that your feelings are valid.

It’s okay to feel whatever you are feeling. There’s a lot going on. Struggling with mental health is not a weakness, and it certainly doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. It’s 100% okay to feel how and what you’re feeling. Do not apologize for that. Make time to prioritize your mental well-being.

Write it down.

If you’re looking for ways to process your emotions or make sense of what’s going on, try writing it down in a journal or simply in a pad of paper. This helps relieve stress, allows you to self-reflect, boosts memory, inspires creativity, and helps you set and achieve your goals.

Learn to smile and laugh.

It may seem silly but making an effort to smile and laugh at little things in life can help improve your mood. Try to find something that makes you smile or laugh at least once a day. Smiling helps reduce stress from neurotransmitters that the body will release.

Get organized.

Disorganization and clutter have been known to increase stress levels. It may clutter up your living space, but also your mind. Decluttering can help put your brain at rest and make it easier for you to feel happy and relaxed.

Limit Screen time.

Distractions are everywhere. It’s not just about productivity – too much screen time can also be bad for your health. Turn off notifications and alerts when you can from your email. Choose a time for checking social media during the day, but then stay off of it after that point. Close your social media feed after you’ve checked it. Turn off your screens before bed for a more restful night.

Practice the art of mindfulness.

The Mayo Clinic defines mindfulness as “a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment without interpretation and judgment”. Sitting down and practicing mindfulness can help you to control your breathing in stressful situations, decrease stress, anxiety, pain, depression, help with sleep disorders, and lower high blood pressure.

Breathe in, breathe out.

The same can be said about breathing exercises. Take 30 seconds to inhale and exhale very slowly. Pay attention to how your heart will slow with your breath.

 

Whether this is the first time you’ve faced mental health challenges or you’re feeling a significant increase in your symptoms during the pandemic, it’s important to understand that mental health challenges are common and treatable. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on our mental health.

Learn more about Community Health Network’s Mental and Behavioral Health services.

If you’re not ready to make an appointment, take charge of your mental health myStrength™.  It is a mental health/wellness app bringing you positive resources to improve mental health and overall well-being. Programs through the app are personalized to help you with symptoms of depression and anxiety, track your mood, receive in-the-moment inspiration to calm down, and be positive 24/7. Get started with myStrength™. 

Create a virtual personal support circle at CircleOf, a free app that keeps you connected 24/7. Learn more about CircleOf.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or are in crisis, call 317-621-5700 or text IN to 741741 for 24 hour support.