Have you ever been through those tough times that crashed your world? I am sure you have. Because nobody can escape the cruelty of life. But you know what? Going through these challenges, I realized taking care of the mind is the first job we should focus on. If it is not balanced, you will be of no use. I discovered some seriously cool healthy mental health habits that turned things around. So, I want to share them with you.
Give them a try! See how they work for you.
Healthy Mental Health Habits
1. Simple Mindful Morning Routine
Start your day with purpose. Make a morning routine with mindful activities. The idea is to make every moment worthy.
So, you could start with meditating, expressing gratitude, or just enjoying a quiet moment with your tea.
It’s a positive start to your day. You can add the following things to your mindful routine:
- Daily mindful moves like yoga or tai chi. They keep your mind and body in harmony.
- Easy mindful breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom, and pranayama. They not only help reduce stress but also keep you focused and bring a feeling of calm.
- Eat your food mindfully. Start your day with green tea and lemon water. Notice the colours, textures, and flavours of your food. Fresh food keeps your mind fresh and energetic.
- Take mindful walks. Mindful walks are simple walks but here you have to use all your senses. For example, listen to sounds, and smell the air while walking on wet grass. The idea is to stay in the present moment.
- Explore the apps for mindfulness. And download them as per your interest. There are no. of apps for mental well-being. For example, exercise apps, meditation, yoga, step counters or even a self-care routine.
Suggested reads:
- A Meditation Guide For Those Who Don’t Like To Meditate
- 7 Yoga Poses To Improve Mental Health (+Pranayam)
2. Give Yourself Silent Moments
Unusually, you always have days that pass without hurting you. We go through many happy and sad moments. This drains our energy. For that, we need a mental break.
So, if you plan occasional silent retreats, you get a chance to reflect on why it happened and how to overcome this. These breaks could be for a few hours or a full day.
You can intentionally designate specific time slots to check in with your emotions and energy levels. During these pauses, keep your phone away.
This small activity reset your mind and promotes inner peace. Also, you take a healthy break from technology.
3. Curate Your Media Consumption
Because we live in the digital age, we can’t say goodbye to technology. Therefore, being intentional about what you consume can help you.
Choose media that uplifts and inspires you. Keep your feed clean and watch only those podcasts and movies that align with your values and goals.
4. Embrace Discomfort
There can never be all joys or all sorrows. Life is a game of ups & downs. If you’re smiling today, tomorrow you will be facing a challenge.
And growth also resides outside your comfort zone. So, develop an attitude that makes you prepared to embrace discomfort.
You can take on new challenges regularly. It helps you bounce back from challenges and feel more accomplished.
5. Book of “I Did It” Moments
Everyone has a goal and works hard to accomplish it. This could be from small things like weight loss to winning a marathon. We all know that goal can’t be accomplished overnight. It requires hard work, determination, and failure.
These failures often break our mental resilience. In these vulnerable moments, we want to give up. But if you maintain a journal specifically for recording your achievements, it boosts your confidence.
No matter how small your past success moments are, reflecting on them can serve as a reminder of your capabilities during challenging times. This small habit restores your peace of mind. And you stand up again working towards your goal.
6. Create a ‘Worry Period’
Who doesn’t feel stressed? Even if you know worry leads you nowhere, you constantly feel worried unintentionally.
To fight this situation, fix a specific time each day as your “worry period.” During this time, allow yourself to address and process worries.
Outside of this period, strictly say no to your concerns. And focus only on the present moment.
7. Visualize Success
Learn to create an imaginary world for yourself—a world where you have achieved your goal and are living your dream life.
It works as a perfect escape from your situation. Since you’re already working on your dreams, visualization can boost confidence.
It not only motivates you but also helps you stay focused on your aspirations.
9. Celebrate Micro-Wins
Celebrate before reaching your goal. Yes because each small victory is as important as your final achievement.
Learn to acknowledge and celebrate small achievements regularly. When you recognize even the tiniest victories, you build a positive mindset.
It would help you keep your mind established and develop a sense of progress.
Also read,
10. Gratitude & Journaling
Make a diary or a journal of pictures and quotes of things you’re thankful for. You can also make notes and put them in a joy jar or save them online.
It could be about anything like your happy moments, photos, positive affirmations that match your goal, or your teacher’s motivational quotes.
Expressing gratitude makes you stronger and happier. So, you can also take short gratitude walks. This way, you will be combining exercise with a positive mindset.
11. Me Time
Though we are told to work like a robot to fulfil our dreams and responsibilities, understand that ‘me time’ is as important as your work.
It can include learning a new skill, doing DIY, or just sleeping for hours.
Remember you won’t get this time easily. For that you have to learn a few things like saying no, giving time to yourself, and acknowledging your imperfections.
12. Random Acts of Kindness
An act of service has been said to be the biggest dharma in several religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
It purifies your soul and spreads positivity. Even a small activity of kindness such as complimenting a stranger or helping someone in need can create a great effect of positivity.
If you want to do more, you can donate. Donating doesn’t always mean donating money. You can donate your time to orphanage children or your motivation to a distressed heart.
And what’s special about this? The universe always favours those who know how to give. All you’re giving today will make a way back to come to you.
13. Learning to Let Go
Just let go. Even if they hurt you, abandoned you, or cheated you. Leave it up to the Universe if you can. It’s the best solution for your miseries.
Having malice against someone is of no use. Life is very unpredictable. Shocking things happen and you see the temporal nature of your existence.
Therefore, try to develop the practice of letting go of things that are beyond your control.
Focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Learn to recognize that not everything needs your immediate attention.
14. Change The Room Decor
This is one of my favourite things. When I enter a new phase of life or a bad phase passes, I redecorate my room. It helps me in the following ways:
- Adds excitement, prevents monotony, and gives me a fresh perspective.
- Gives me new comfort, a sense of newness, cosiness, and security.
You can also try setting up new wallpaper, buying a new piece, or creating something new once or twice in 6 months.
15. Connect with spirituality
I wonder today if I had not connected with spirituality, I would have lost control over my mind. Spirituality saved me from severe depression and helped me manage my anxiety.
Take shelter in any religion of your choice. But give it a try, not to fulfil your materialistic desires but to reach zero or nothingness.
In Hinduism, it is said that your ultimate goal is to attain nothingness. And I believe this. Only this idea keeps me calm. Just observe everything as a beholder. You are not a doer. You’re being made to do things.
If you are taking an interest in this philosophy, you can read Bhagavad Gita, or join your nearby ISKCON centre for more.
FAQs On Mental Health Habits
1. What are positive habits to improve mental health? And why do they matter?
Positive mental habits are like good mental tricks and actions. They make your mind healthy and happy (1), (2).
Developing and practising them can save you from going into depression. They curb your anxiety.
You become strong and handle life’s ups and downs better.
2. How do I start building these positive healthy mental health habits?
It’s Easy! Figure out your interests and see which habits match your goals.
You should begin with small steps. Be consistent and slowly make these habits a part of your daily routine.
You should try different things. After exploring new skills, you will analyze what suits you best.
3. When will I experience good things coming out of them?
It’s not the same experience for everyone. You might feel better pretty quickly while others might take a bit more time or vice versa.
The key is to keep at it regularly and eventually. You will notice your mental health getting better.
4. Can these healthy mental health habits help me with my high-stress levels?
Definitely! That’s why they are for. Try them but don’t rush. Include them in your daily routine.
Are there any specific magic habits that work for everyone or is it a personal journey?
Ya! Some habits like good sleep, me-time, and meditation work for everyone. On the other hand, it’s also a personalized journey.
For example, your friend may find solace in art while you can feel peaceful in playing music.
Suggested:
5. How do I keep myself excited to stick with these habits for a long time?
You don’t have to remain excited, the habits will excite you.
However, if you constantly explore new skills with an adaptive mindset, your energy levels will remain high.
Apart from that, set small, doable goals, celebrate the little wins, and remind yourself why you started these habits.
6. Can these habits replace talking to a pro about mental health?
Not usually! They’re like good buddies but not a substitute for a pro. If you’re facing mental health challenges, please talk to an expert.
However, it’s seen and I have experienced something. Some habits like practicing spirituality can help you with depression in a way you might not need to consult a mental health expert.
7. Can I do this with a crazy schedule?
Yes, absolutely! It’s all about making the mindset first and taking action afterwards.
For example, when you take an office break, go to the park to spend time with nature instead of scrolling Instagram.
8. What if I mess up with these mental health habits?
Don’t worry and don’t panic. The idea is not strictly following the routine. If you do that, you will create a new stress.
Be flexible. What if you planned out something and couldn’t complete it? Try next time! So simple!
9. Am I too young or old for these habits?
No! It’s good you develop some habits like practising spirituality from childhood. And even if you’re 60 or above, you can still learn new things.
Absolutely nothing to do with your age!
10. What can boost my focus and get more done?
Be flexible. And see what your lifestyle, work, interests and goals are.
Find out those habits, skills, or leisure activities that fill you with energy.
Once you find them, you will get most of them and will stay focused.
11. Can being mentally positive help my relationships?
Yes! Happy people spread positive vibes. One of the main reasons for dissatisfaction in relationships is that people are not happy with themselves.
If you’re positive you can handle everything better including your relationships.
12. Can I stay positive at a crazy work pace?
Absolutely! Find stress-buster activities.
Quick mindful breaks and a positive social media feed will greatly help you in this.
Customizing your habits to match your work style is the thing you should consider.
13. How do good mental health habits connect to my physical health?
When you don’t stress much, feel positive, and sleep better, it automatically improves your physical health (3).
Good mental habits are like health boosters.
If you are facing trouble sleeping, these articles will help you:
14. Can good mental health habits help me decide things better?
For sure! When your mind is clear, stress is low, and you know yourself better, decisions become a breeze.
Practice regular self-reflection and mindfulness to make better decisions.
15. How can I boost my creativity with habits?
Make a habit of journaling things. Dream and visualize your future. This is called daydreaming.
And keep exploring new things to do. Try group activities.
16. Can we have positive habits together in a group?
Yes. Find your group. It could be a virtual group too.
Participate in a group challenge and share your activities. You can do it with your friends and family as well.
17. How do good habits help when things get tough?
They help a lot. The best healthy habits can give you a positive mental attitude.
Think, what a positive outlook can not do? You face your challenges better, make decisions faster, and remain strong.
18. Can I have positive mental health habits if I’m dealing with mental health stuff?
Yes. According to me, it’s the best time. They will distract your mind from the positive aspects of life.
But chat with a mental health pro first if you’re unable to handle your stress.
19. Can I OD on positive habits and have bad effects?
Yep, too much of a good thing isn’t great.
While good habits are awesome, going overboard or sticking to one too much can tire you out.
Keep things balanced, adjust habits as needed, and avoid getting too stuck in routines.
Book Club Recommendations
1. “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg:
If you want to know the science of habits and how they can be transformed for the better.
2. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear:
You will learn practical habits. Seeing tiny changes lead to remarkable results.
3. “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck:
The power of beliefs, do you believe it? Read the book if you want to understand the concept of mindset. Also for acknowledging how beliefs shape our lives.
4. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz:
Do you like to read ancient stuff? The book is all about achieving love and freedom based on ancient wisdom.
5. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl:
A powerful book written by a Holocaust survivor on finding purpose and resilience.
6. “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor:
Explore the connection between happiness and success with practical strategies.
7. “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth:
Grit refers to a combination of passion and perseverance in long term goals. This book emphasizes the role of grit in achieving goals for personal development.
8. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero:
If you are dwelling on self doubt, this is a must read for you. It’s a no-nonsense guide on creating a life you love.
9. “The Miracle Morning” by Hal Elrod:
Those who find it difficult creating a morning routine. Make your mornings meaningful & mindful. A good book on personal development.
10. “The Wisdom of Sundays” by Oprah Winfrey:
A good book on spirituality, mindfulness, and personal growth from Super Soul Sunday interviews.
11. “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles:
Explore the concept of “ikigai” and draw insights from Japanese culture.
Books by Indian Authors on Mental Health Habits:
12. “You Can Win: A Step-by-Step Tool for Top Achievers” by Shiv Khera:
It’s a popular self-help book that gives you success principles in a motivational manner.
13. “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma:
Another famous book on life lessons! It’s about the inspirational journey of a successful lawyer.
14. “The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.” by Robin Sharma:
Want to get more productive days and enhance your well being? The book is about how to develop good morning habits & routine.
15. “Mind Management, Not Time Management” by Swami Mukundananda:
It gives you practical wisdom on managing the mind for increased efficiency and happiness.
Podcast Recommendations
1. “The Science of Happiness” by Greater Good Science Center
2. “Optimal Living Daily” by Justin Malik
3. “The Tim Ferriss Show” by Tim Ferriss
4. “Happier with Gretchen Rubin” by Gretchen Rubin
5. “The Tony Robbins Podcast” by Tony Robbins
6. “On Being” by Krista Tippett
7. “The School of Greatness” by Lewis Howes
8. “The Mindful Kind” by Rachael Kable
9. “TED Talks Daily” by TED
10. “The Art of Charm” by The Art of Charm
Indian Podcasts To Develop Healthy Mental Health Habits:
11. “The Habit Coach” by Ashdin Doctor
12. “Positively Unlimited” by Chetna Chakravarthy
13. Practical insights on life, relationships, and personal development for a positive life
14. “The Ranveer Show” by Ranveer Allahbadia
15. “The Feel Good Effect” by Sarina Jain
Other helpful articles:
- Lost your peace of mind? Figure out why you are not happy
- Self-acceptance: what it means & how to achieve it
- How to improve yourself daily & why you should
- 43 productive things to do to overcome boredom at home
Finding ways to take care of your mental health is really important. Keeping a healthy mindset will also help you be healthy overall. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips!
Thanks, Krisha for stopping by the 🙂 Nice name ‘Krisha’