Establish a Routine
Creating a regular routine is one of the best strategies for taking care of your mental
health. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule, eating well, and having consistent exercise
can help keep your mind and body healthy. Additionally, establishing rules for task
management can help you be more productive throughout the day and reduce your
stress levels. Having a routine will also allow you to create space for relaxation, enabling
your mind to rest and recharge.
Prioritize Sleep and Exercise.
A healthy routine must include time for rest and exercise. Getting enough sleep is
essential in managing stress, improving mood, and maintaining overall health. Exercise
increases the production of endorphins, which can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and
depression. Aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night and carve out enough time
for physical activity every day.
Schedule Time for Relaxation and Fun.
To counteract the demands of your day and give yourself some much needed down
time, schedule 30 minutes to an hour of ‘break time’ each day. During this time, try
activities such as reading a book, going for a walk, taking a hot bath, or engaging in
whatever activity that allows you to relax. Fun activities are also important for mental
health self-care so make sure to allocate ample time for these as well (e.g., playing
board games with friends/family or watching a movie.)
Adopt Healthy Eating Habits and Hydrate Often.
Incorporating healthy eating habits into your day-to-day routine is an essential part of
mental health self-care. Eating balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables,
drinking enough water and staying away from processed and sugary foods as much as
possible are all important for maintaining good physical AND mental health.
Furthermore, not getting enough sleep can often make a person more susceptible to
anxiety and depression, so make sure to get at least seven to nine hours of restful sleep
each night.
Stay Connected With Supportive People in Your Life.
Since loneliness and social isolation can have a serious negative impact on mental
health, it’s important to stay connected with family, friends, and supportive colleagues.
Talking openly about your feelings of stress and anxiety with people you trust can help
put those feelings into perspective and redirect negative thoughts. Additionally, having
the support of others will remind you that you are not alone in your struggles, which can
be extremely comforting.
Additionally, taking the time to show appreciation to those who are supportive in your
life—whether it be through words, a card, or an act of kindness—can not only help
brighten their day but can also increase your own self-esteem. Showing appreciation for
someone else can create a feeling of connectedness that can strengthen relationships
and improve your overall mental wellbeing. When it comes to mental health, the simple
act of expression and connection can go a long way