Simple Tips For Improved Mental Health

In recovery, I’ve learned to be pretty vigilant when it comes to my mental health. I’m quick to squash stinking thinking, I don’t let myself sulk for very long, and when I’m blue, I have a list of small activities I can do that really do help.

The good news about living in today’s world is there are so many amazing tools available to us if we are willing to look for them and give them a shot. Sometimes it takes practice to make something stick, but from my experience, if you take ten minutes every day for 30 days and do any one of these things, you will see some improvement in your mood, or general health and well-being.

One. Get outside and into nature if you can.

Even if you live in New York City, find a park or go to the closest river. Being outside in the fresh air, especially now that Spring has sprung,  can really help if you’re feeling stressed, or sad. Maybe try walking to work, if that’s possible, or taking a walk on your lunch break while listening to some soothing music.

Two. Put down your technology.

We’ve all heard about the studies coming out saying that technology is addictive, and can cause depression and loneliness. Social media has created a FOMO monster in many of us, I’m afraid. So, put down your phone and turn off your computer and focus on the world around you whenever possible.

Three. Try ten minutes of meditation.

Someone who used to mentor me insisted at one point in time that I set a timer and meditate every single morning with a guided meditation off Youtube. It actually took me two months of practice before I felt the need to do it every day, but I’m a particularly slow learner. All the great leaders meditate, it does great things when done properly. Try it.

Four. Any exercise ritual, including simply walking for 10-20 minutes.

Exercise helps raise endorphins. That’s a fact. I also know people who struggle with anxiety who exercise every morning because they believe the rhythmic breathing helps set them straight for the day. Whatever it is, when you want to get out of your head, get into your body!!

Five. Self-care.

Everybody’s talking about it for a reason. Whether you’re into mani-pedis and massages, or learning new things and growing your recovery, take time to do the things you love, and that makes you happy.

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