15 FUN MENTAL HEALTH TIPS FOR YOU

1. Write a lot: Track gratitude and achievement with a journal. 

Include 3 things you were grateful for and 3 things you were able to accomplish each day. Has something been bothering you? Let it all out…on paper. Writing about upsetting experiences can reduce symptoms of depression.

2. Start your day with a cup of co­ffee.

Coff­ee consumption is linked to lower rates of depression. If you can’t drink coff­ee because of the caff­eine, try another good-for-you drink like green tea.

3. Set up a getaway.

 It could be camping with friends or a trip to the tropics. The act of planning a vacation and having something to look forward to can boost your overall happiness for up to 8 weeks!

4. Work your strengths.

Do something you’re good at to build self-confidence, then tackle a tougher task.

5. Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project. Creative expression and overall well-being are linked.

6. Show some love to someone in your life.

Close, quality, relationships are key for a happy, healthy life.

7. Sometimes, we don’t need to add new activities to get more pleasure.

We just need to soak up the joy in the ones we’ve already got. Trying to be optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring the uglier sides of life. It just means focusing on the positive as much as possible.

8. Take time to laugh.

Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.

9. Go off the grid.

Leave your smartphone at home for a day and disconnect from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions. Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.

10. Dance around while you do your housework.

Not only will you get chores done, but dancing reduces levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases endorphins (the body’s “feel-good” chemicals).

11. Go ahead and yawn.

Studies suggest that yawning helps cool the brain and improves alertness and mental efficiency.

12.Try prepping your lunches or picking out your clothes for the workweek.

You’ll save some time in the mornings and have a sense of control about the week ahead.

13. Practice forgiveness – even if it’s just forgiving that person who cut you off during your commute. People who forgive have better mental health and report being more satisfied with their lives.

14. Feeling stressed? Smile.

It may not be the easiest thing to do, but smiling can help to lower your heart rate and calm you down.

15. Do something with friends and family– have a cookout, go to a park, or play a game. People are 12 times more likely to feel happy on days that they spend 6-7 hours with friends and family.

Stay jiggy my people! Say NO to down moments and get your head in the game. Cease being uptight and live a little.