10 SIMPLE DAILY ACTIONS TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Discover 10 simple ways to improve your mental health with our comprehensive guide. Explore these easy daily habits that promote well-being.

In today’s world, where the hustle of life often overshadows our well-being, finding balance is more crucial than ever. Mental health, akin to physical health, thrives on the small, daily choices we make.

This year, I am committed to focusing on self-care and improving my mental health through consistent, simple actions.

Reflecting on the past year, I realize that my struggle with focus and productivity, compounded by continuous deadlines and self-imposed work pressures, took a toll on my mental well-being. The stress and anxiety were clear indicators that something needed to change.

So, what can one do when well-being falls to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list? How do we navigate our daily lives without sacrificing our mental health? It’s not about grand gestures or overhauling your entire routine overnight. Instead, it’s about embracing small yet impactful daily actions that enhance our well-being.

In this article, I will share easy, everyday actions that have significantly improved my mental health in the past few months.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The tips and strategies shared here, including suggestions to improve your mental health, are based on personal experiences and general wellness practices. They should not replace professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any mental or physical health concerns before starting any new healthcare regimen. Individual results may vary, and the information provided here does not guarantee improvements in mental health.

10 Things to Do for Better Mental Health

While we engage in several actions each minute of our lives, let’s include more of those actions that improve our mental wellbeing and let go of those that ruin our mental health.

By taking mindful daily actions, these actions will turn into habits which will help you handle situations better.

I highly recommend incorporating these simple actions in your everyday life.

Embracing Nature’s Pace with Walks:

There’s something inherently therapeutic about walking. It’s a simple act, yet it works wonders for clearing the mind and reducing stress. Whether it’s a brisk morning walk or a leisurely evening stroll, the combination of physical activity and fresh air can significantly uplift your mood.

The act of walking, especially in a natural setting, allows your mind to wander and process thoughts and emotions in a calm, unhurried manner. It’s a form self-care practised by the Japanese, also known as Shirin-Yoku that can quiet mental chatter and bring about a sense of inner peace.

Observing the simplicity of nature – the trees, the sky, the rhythm of your own steps – can be grounding and remind you of life’s simple pleasures. This simple daily habit is an excellent way to improve your mental health.

Celebrating Everyday Triumphs:

Every day holds small victories that often go unnoticed. Did you manage to wake up early, or perhaps you resisted an unhealthy snack? Celebrating these tiny milestones can create a positive mindset.

It’s about recognizing your efforts and progress, no matter how small, which can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and motivation in the long run. So make it an everyday ritual to count the things that went well, instead of being consumed by worries and tomorrow’s to-do lists.

Nightly Gratitude Rituals:

Ending each day with a moment of gratitude can transform the way you view your life. This ritual involves taking a few minutes before sleep to reflect on, and appreciate, the positive aspects of your day. It could be gratitude for a loved one’s smile, the comfort of your home, or even the lesson learned from a challenge faced.

This practice not only promotes a positive mood but can also improve sleep quality by ending your day on a positive note.

Each night, I reflect on three things I’m grateful for. This practice shifts focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in life, fostering a sense of contentment and reducing anxiety.

Read more on: How to Create a Mindful Night Routine

Dedicate Time to Hobbies:

Engaging in activities that bring joy is a crucial investment for mental health. Hobbies are outlets for expression, creativity, and stress relief. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, dedicating time to hobbies can be a joyful escape from the routine pressures of life.

They provide a space where we can experiment, innovate, and create without the pressures of judgment. When engaged in a hobby, our mind enters a state of ‘flow,’ a concept introduced by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. This state is characterized by complete absorption in an activity, where time seems to stand still, and all other worries and stressors fade into the background.

Remember that these moments of joy are not just fleeting pleasures; they’re building blocks for a healthier, happier mind.

Prioritizing Good Sleep:

I’ve always believed that getting a good night’s sleep is like hitting the reset button for your mind and body. It’s incredible how something as simple as sleeping can set the tone for your entire day.

Here’s what I’ve been doing – maybe you’ll find these tips helpful too:

1. Bedtime Rituals: I’ve started this little routine before bed. Nothing fancy, just some light reading or gentle stretching. It’s kind of like sending a signal to my body to wind down.
2. Setting the Right Environment: I make sure it’s all about comfort – a dark room, keeping it cool, and as quiet as possible. It’s like creating my little sleep haven. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes!
3. Sticking to a Schedule: This one was a game-changer for me – maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Sure, it took some discipline at first, but now my body clock has pretty much adjusted, and it’s been working wonders.

Prioritizing sleep can be a positive shift for everyone. It’s about giving your body what it needs to function at its best. And honestly, who doesn’t love the feeling of waking up fully charged and ready to tackle the day?

Daily Self-Care Practices:

When it comes to self-care, I’ve realized it’s such a personal thing. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s totally okay. For me, self-care can be as simple as taking a moment in the morning to meditate. It’s like my little ritual to start the day right.

It’s about acknowledging your needs and allowing yourself time each day to cater to them. This daily commitment acts as a reminder that you are valuable and deserving of your own time and care.

Make self-care a part of your daily routine with these simple daily habits. Why wait for special weekends to practice self-care?

The Act of Decluttering

A cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind. Taking time to organize and simplify your spaces can be incredibly liberating.

Having a tidy space can boost your focus and productivity, making it easier to tackle daily tasks with a clear mind. Start small, maybe with just one drawer or shelf, and gradually work your way through your living spaces.

Getting rid of stuff, I don’t need anymore, stuff that’s just taking up space, it’s super liberating. It’s like I’m making room not just in my home, but in my head, for new stuff, new experiences.

Whenever things start to pile up, and I feel overwhelmed, I just pick a spot and start decluttering. It’s amazing how much lighter it makes me feel.

Infact, it is advisable to make decluttering a part of your daily routine for better mental health.

Take Intentional Breaks

We often see taking breaks as some kind of luxury, something we ‘treat’ ourselves to. But honestly, I’ve come to realize that regular breaks are not just nice-to-haves; they’re absolutely essential for keeping our minds fresh and avoiding burnout.

I’m not talking about long breaks, but just a few minutes of intentional breaks that can make a huge difference.

Take a five-minute breathing exercise, for example. It’s a quick way to reset your mind. Just step away from whatever you’re doing, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. It’s incredible how such a simple thing can clear your head and reduce stress. You can take a tea break, or a sudoku break, or water your plants.

So, if you are on a quest to improve your mental health, make little breaks a regular part of your daily routine. It’s all about hitting that reset button unapologetically.

Accept what you cannot control:

Sometimes we get so worked up over things we just can’t change.  Imagine you’re stuck in traffic, and you’re late for an appointment. You can either spend that time stressing out and getting frustrated, or you can accept that this is out of your hands, and maybe put on some good music or an audiobook.

The situation doesn’t change, but how you deal with it does. It’s all about shifting focus to things we can control, like our reaction or attitude in a given situation.

You stop wasting energy on stuff that’s just beyond your reach and start focusing on things where you can really make a difference. I’m not saying it’s easy, though. It takes practice to catch yourself getting all worked up over something you can’t change. But every time you manage to let go you choose peace over stress.

Now, when you find yourself getting tangled up in things beyond your control, take a step back and ask yourself, ‘Is this really worth my energy?’

More often than not, the answer is no. And that’s when you redirect your focus to things you can actually control.

Nurture your Relationships

The people we surround ourselves with, like our family, friends, or even coworkers, play a massive part in our mental health.
Little actions can play a huge role in nurturing your relationships. When you catch up with someone, try being fully present. Really listening to what they’re saying without getting distracted by your phone or your own thoughts. It’s called active listening, and it makes conversations so much more rewarding.

And then, there’s just letting people know you appreciate them. It sounds small, but it can mean a lot. A simple ‘thanks for being there’ or ‘I really value your advice’ can go a long way. It’s about recognizing the role they play in your life and letting them know they’re important.

Nurturing these connections make life so much richer. It’s not always easy, especially when life gets busy, but making the effort is so worth it.

Improving our mental health can actually be quite straightforward. It’s all about those small, everyday actions that add up to big changes. Think about it – a peaceful walk-in nature, celebrating the little wins, winding down at night with a moment of gratitude.

When our minds are clear and at peace, everything else just seems to fall into place, right? We’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges, connect with others, and truly appreciate the beauty in our everyday moments. So, really, prioritizing our mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

By embracing these simple habits, we’re taking control of our well-being. Let’s make our mental health a priority, not just for now, but as a lifelong commitment. It’s one of the best things we can do for ourselves.