My mental health journey hasn’t been linear. Just like most of us who struggle with mental health, I have both and good days. Some days I feel like I could take on the world and tick off every single item on my to-do list, while there are others when I struggle with doing even the most basic of things. And that’s ok.
When it comes to mental health, I have noticed that small, consistent steps taken everyday, actually go a long way. Small actions taken consistently and with intention, end up forming habits that end up having a major impact on your mental health. On good days, these things further improve my productivity and focus, calm negative thoughts, feel more gratitude, improve energy levels and help me sleep better. On bad days, they help put things into perspective and give me the strength to get through the day.
None of these actions have to be grand or take up a lot of time. The key for me lies in recognising just few things that make me feel better and finding a way to include them in my daily routine. Here’s what it looks like for me –
- Journaling
This is probably the number one thing that has helped me on my mental health journey. My journal offers me a healthy way to brain dump all my thoughts as well as hold space for all my feeling and emotions. It’s also where I write down my intentions, affirmations and visualise my ideal day. Keeping a journal has been a great way for me to gain more perspective with respect to my anxious thoughts, actively practice gratitude and bring my focus back to the present.
- Exercise
Did you know that daily exercise has a direct impact on your mental health? This is because exercise releases dopamine and other feel-good hormones in your body, which gives your mood an instant life. I find that moving my body for just 20 minutes everyday, doing light stretches is enough to make me feel energised and more ready to deal with the day. I usually like to exercise in the morning, but on the days I can’t, I make sure to at least go for 30-45 minute walk in the evening after work. being outdoors and getting in some movement helps calm my mind, relaxes me and makes unwinding so much easier.
- Starting my morning slow
This is something that I have started only recently, but I can already see how much it is benefitting my mental health. Instead of getting up right before I need to start getting ready for work, I try to wake up a little earlier so that I can start my morning on a slower, more intentional note. Reading, doing some light stretches, playing with my dog, eating my breakfast in peace and journaling are some of my favourite activities to fill the first half of my day with.
Starting my day in this relaxed and unhurried manner helps me focus on some of my favourite activities at the start of the day. This automatically puts in a better mood, lifts my spirits as well as sets the right tone for the day.
- Tidying up
I am a firm believer that your space has an impact on your mental health. And which is why, whenever my home is cluttered, it usually makes me feel really anxious. Just spending 15-20 minutes at the end of the day tidying up my house, cleaning the kitchen countertops and putting things helps me feel calmer and sleep better. Plus, it always feels so great to wake up to a clean and tidy house the next morning.
- 10 minutes of self-care everyday
In the hustle bustle of everyday life, it is very easy to feel like you don’t have time for self-care. But self-care doesn’t need to be a an hour long bubble bath or an entire day of laying in bed and watching Tv. It means intentionally taking the time out to do something for yourself that akes you feel happy. On busy days, self-care for me looks like doodling a little bit in my journal, cooking myself a simple but nourishing meal, taking a quick shower and putting on a face mask while I read before bed, lighting up my candles, or simply sitting on the couch doing nothing.
Although, this changes everyday depending on my mood and energy levels, I try to do at least one thing, if not more, just for myself. The point of this activity is to help fill my cup, reconnet with myself and be intentional about where I spend my time and energy.
Doing these activities nearly everyday has truly improved, not just my mental health, but also my relationship with myself. However, each person’s need and mental health journeys are unique. So what works for me may not work for you. Always ask for help; there is no shame in that.