Achieving Mental Wellness: Easy Steps To Improve Your Mental Health

Working on your mental wellbeing can sometimes feel like one more thing added to your to-do list. However simple actions can go a long way toward your wellness. Here are five simple steps you can take to improve your mental health:

• Physical activity and movement: Our bodies release energy and emotions when we move them; when we do so they release feel good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Our body also has the capacity to store trauma, grief, anxiety, sadness, and other negative emotions- and thus movement can be a positive way to release those emotions. Physical activity can range from going on a walk, to exercising, to yoga, or even a solo dance party.
• Journaling: Writing our thoughts down, processing our feelings on paper, and unpacking complex emotions can prove to be very helpful. Journaling can range from an in-depth exploration of our inner world, to stream of consciousness, or even gratitude journaling. A journal that has helped me stay grateful is The Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change
• Mindfulness and Meditation: You can follow guided meditations found online, or you can just connect to your breath. Mindfulness doesn’t need to be anything fancy, it can literally just mean focusing in on what you’re doing and giving it your undivided attention. An example can include a mindful walk where you are focusing on all the scents, sounds, and sensations that naturally arise.
• Routine: Creating a daily and weekly routine is necessary for positive mental health outcomes. This can include sleeping and waking up at the same time everyday, getting in 8 hours of sleep, eating 3 balanced meals, moving your body, and other repetitive habits that can bring joy, calm, and groundedness.
  {Link to Olivia’s interview about “daily rituals that help us remain mindful”}
• Social connection: We humans are social beings and are wired for connection. Connecting with others in authentic and genuine ways can increase joy and happiness, and feelings of fulfillment.

Looking for guidance with improving your mental wellbeing? Our therapists can help you develop your most fulfilling life.