5 Habits to Improve Your Mental Health
Hi friends! If you've been around for awhile (aka since my @glistenfit days...#tbt) then you know that health is super important to me. I would say my physical health started to become a priority when I turned 22/23. That's when I truly became aware of the positive effects that exercise and eating healthy had on me. BUT it wasn't until the last year or so that I've really discovered the significance of MENTAL HEALTH.
Physical and mental health should co-exist. I don't believe that you can truly have one without the other. I strive for well-rounded health: as in I'm healthy from the inside out.
I feel like physical health is a little more straightforward (not easier) than mental health. Mental health requires you to do some reflecting and really hone in on what your soul needs. Mental health requires more than just going through the motions.
I want to share 5 habits that I've adopted that have resulted in some serious mental health gains:
Getting outside.
There is just something about fresh air that lights me up. No matter how clean + organized + cozy my home is, sometimes I just need to get out of the house. My husband and I love going on bike rides and that is one thing that I can count on to fill me up. If I catch myself feeling overwhelmed with a grad school assignment or work project, I take 3 minutes to step outside and take a few deep breaths. The combination of focusing on my breath and feeling the fresh air swirl around me brings me back to a clear mental space most of the time.
Creating something.
Most of the things that I create are digital: I love hand lettering on my iPad, designing new digital planning templates, and writing. Producing some sort of creative work makes me feel electric and alive. I love expressing myself through the mediums listed above. Maybe you like to draw or paint or sew...whatever fills you up, do it!
Diffusing essential oils.
This is something that is newer for me. In May, I bought a Young Living starter kit and wooo buddy, talk about game changer. I got into essential oils to help with my sleep but I had no idea about the emotional support benefits that came with using oils. My favorite oils for emotional support are: Stress Away, Joy, Peace & Calming II, Release, White Angelica, and Valor. If you want to scoop up a starter kit you can click here to start your oily journey.
Going on a coffee date with a friend.
A lot of people are surprised to find out that I'm an introvert. It's easy for me to go days without seeing my friends face to face - especially with all of the technology we have available. I'll text or DM with a friend only to realize that I haven't seen them IRL in months. That face to face interaction (especially if it's at my fave coffee shop) has the power to adjust my mentality and bring me back into a positive place.
Getting myself ready.
This is a seemingly insignificant thing to do but it really does make a huge difference. There's just something about putting on a cute outfit, doing something with my hair, and adding a touch of makeup - it makes me feel ready to take on the day. I work from home a few days a week and I can really tell a difference in the days when I stay in workout clothes. The days that I take some time to pull myself together are the days that I feel confident and accomplished. The days that I stay in stretchy pants and a sloppy t-shirt are usually the ones that leave me feeling frazzled. Getting ready may seem unnecessary if you work from home, but I'm telling y'all - it can really help pull me out of a mental funk!
BONUS: Hug someone!
I used to classify myself as a non-hugger. I've shed that identity and now I'm a hug-lover. If I'm feeling down sometimes being wrapped up in someone's arms can make a world of a difference. Having that physical touch + connection reminds me that I'm not the only living + breathing being in the world and I'm most definitely not expected to tackle life alone.
Like I said, we all have different things that nourish our souls. These are some things that really help me stay centered and in a positive mental space.
I do think it's important to note that if you are in a mental funk, it's okay to acknowledge it and feel it. But it's not okay to stay in that negatively charged space and let it fester. Don't ever feel ashamed or embarrassed to reach out for help. We were not meant to go through life alone 💛
What are some habits that you've adopted to help keep your mental health in tip top shape?
