Healthy habits are really important when it comes to mental wellness, and especially important if you're struggling with a psychiatric disorder.
For me, the following has helped tremendously:
1. Adhering to a routine. This is imperative for my mental wellbeing and helps me a LOT when it comes to psychiatric symptoms. I get up around the same time, make my bed, start my day the same way, and I end my day at the same time and in the same way nightly. It helps a lot.
2. Eating well and portioning my snacks. Healthy, whole foods help with brain function and help you feel good.
3. I take vitamins daily (these help a lot!).
4. Light exercise each day. I do a small workout in the mornings and go for daily walks.
5. Socialization! I spend time virtually with my best friends almost every day, and spend quality time with my partner daily.
What are some healthy habits you've formed for your mental health?
Excellent habits, Laura! Trying to get into a better daily routine myself and I think our brain craves this. The more we can get disciplined about having certain times for certain things, the better we can concentrate and generally have a better day.
- Daily Movement
Trying to do some kind of movement daily whether it's a light or harder workout, going for a walk, for a run or sprints or just doing some small movements while I'm at my desk working - I always try to get some kind of movement done. If I have a busy day and know I won't have time to do a workout I might just go for 25 Jumping Jacks and 10-20 pushups just to know I did something.
- Drinking 2L+ of water
Drinking at least 2 liters of water daily helps me tremendously. Whenever I have days when I don't drink as much water I always feel sluggish, sometimes my head hurts and I realize it's because of not enough water. I strongly recommend drinking plenty of water and spacing it out during the day (so maybe drinking 1000 ml until lunch time, another 600 ml until 6PM and then another 400-500 ml until 9-10PM).
Very important! Try to drink water as soon as you wake up and right before bed because it helps with a lot of things and can prevent a lot of health problems.
- Listening to music or audiobooks
I do this while I'm working (if the work allows it - sometimes I need complete silence for certain projects). I also like listening to audiobooks and programs while I am out shopping or out with my dogs or in the kitchen. I find that it's easier to listen to something while doing different house chores, shopping or on a run and I get to go through a lot more books this way.
- Doing something for my mind
Whether it's playing Sudoku, Mahjong, logging in at Lumosity and playing a few of their games, meditating for a few minutes (which I'm trying to get better at) or anything else that stimulates and is a "mind workout", I try to do something almost daily for my mind. The mind is just like our muscles, the more we use it, the more it grows. If we stop using it, it will shrink and in time, different affections can enter the chat.
@kenny I really like how you prioritize doing something for your mind each day - what a lovely thing to work into your daily habits. I'm not familiar with Mahjong or Lumosity, but I think I may look into them. Thank you!
Some healthy habits that have really helped my mental health include daily walks to clear my mind, journaling to process my thoughts, and setting boundaries with work to avoid burnout. Also, practicing gratitude and staying connected with loved ones makes a huge difference.
Getting enough sleep, taking short breaks during work, and spending time outdoors have been game-changers. Also, practicing gratitude and limiting screen time before bed really help keep my mind in a good place.
@godbless Boundaries are KEY. I really appreciate that you've mentioned setting boundaries with work. So many people buy into "hustle culture" and it's harmful to their wellbeing. Love these, thank you for sharing!
@laurat I think there's a time and place for hustle. You could decide to have a day or even a week when you go gung-ho on certain projects. But, living your life like this is not sustainable and will lead to health problems. We all need an on and off switch, times when we work and then times when we don't and use it to recharge out batteries.
@kenny Oooh, this is a fantastic point! It's all about moderation - truly. People need to set boundaries around work and dedicate time to taking care of themselves as well.
@godbless Gratitude makes us feel like we have more than we think (and we usually do). Walking (especially in or near a forest) does wonders for the mind and for our mood.
You mentioned taking short breaks during work. How short do you mean and what do you do in these breaks?
Building healthy habits for mental health can start small. Try incorporating daily mindfulness, like deep breathing or a short meditation, to stay grounded. Regular exercise, even a 20-minute walk, boosts mood and reduces stress. Prioritize sleep by sticking to a consistent schedule and winding down before bed. Journaling or practicing gratitude can help process emotions and shift focus to the positive. Lastly, set boundaries and make time for hobbies or connections with loved ones. Small, consistent steps can make a big difference over time.
@ahsan Sometimes a 20 minute walk might not be in the cards for me because it's a busy day but a 10 minute walk is doable so I try to do that. In other days, I make time for a 30-45 minute walk because I feel stressed or my mind is foggy and I need to walk it off.
I also feel that starting the day with a video or audio with some positive affirmations makes my day a better one.
One of my favorite healthy habits is embracing the art of gratitude. Each morning, I jot down three things I’m thankful for, and it’s like a mini mood-boosting ritual! It might be as simple as the perfect cup of coffee or the sunshine streaming through my window. This tiny act shifts my focus from what’s lacking in my life to the abundance that surrounds me, creating a positive ripple effect throughout my day.
Another gem in my mental health toolkit is the “digital detox” day. Setting aside one day a week where I unplug from screens helps me reconnect with myself and the world around me. Instead of scrolling mindlessly, I dive into hobbies—like painting or gardening—that spark joy and creativity. Not only does this reduce anxiety, but it also opens up space for mindfulness, allowing me to savor each moment fully. Trust me, when you trade your smartphone for a paintbrush or a good book, you’ll rediscover the beauty of being present!
@love-heals Oh, I love the idea of a "digital detox" day! I think that's brilliant and especially important in this day and age where people are so attached to their screens - TVS, phones, computers, etc. Great advice, for real - I recently started trying to sketch again. I don't think I'm necessarily good, but it's something to focus on and there's a certain joy that creativity elicits. It's hard to replicate.
@love-heals Haven't had a full day of no screen in a while now. I think it's time for one, to recharge my batteries, so to speak. And yes, whenever I grab a book and start reading I always feel better, more present, more alive.
