12 Small Things You Can Do Daily To Improve Mental Health

There are a lot of unfortunate pieces that have added to the puzzle that was 2020. Lots of these pieces were not exactly beneficial to my own mental health, and I’m sure many others feel the same. One thing I learned while spending *many* days at home is that I do get lonely and loneliness makes me sad. I also learned how I can work on this instead of just accepting that I’ll be sad forever. Here is what I’ve learned.

1. Take a shower. You don’t have to shave, or even wash your hair, just take the shower. If you can’t, then wash your face, brush your teeth, comb your hair. It can be so easy to fall into a hole of being unable to do “simple” things like shower. If you can’t do it, do what you can and take it one step at a time.

2. Watch a funny show. Put your phone down and let yourself laugh along and focus on that feeling. Laughing helps.

3. Try a coloring book. The satisfaction of completing a task like a coloring page can be extremely beneficial for mental health. The act of coloring is also a great distraction from outside stress.

4. Make it a habit to call those you love. They may be struggling and scared to reach out. You do not and should not have to weather the storm alone.

5. Eat, eat, eat! Your body can’t function without being fed. There is no reason to punish yourself, eat a meal.

6. Reflect on one good part of your day before going to bed every night. This focus on gratitude and happiness centers you around your priorities and allows you to appreciate the good things.

7. Get. Enough. Sleep. Without it, your mind and body both will not be able to function normally which is frustrating and discouraging. Let yourself recharge and gain energy.

8. Nap if you need it. There is nothing wrong with naps. If you need one to make it through the day, then take the nap. Your body and mind will thank you.

9. If you can, be active. It doesn’t have to be a grueling workout that leaves you weak in the knees. Go for a walk around the block or even just to the mailbox. Run up and down the stairs. Do push-ups while you wait for your pasta water to boil. Exercise clears your mind and refreshes your body. There are no rules about what constitutes a good workout.

10. Don’t lose sight of your hobbies. Go fishing, paint a picture, cook your roommates a meal. Let yourself embrace the activities you find enjoyment in. There is always time.

11. Stop holding grudges. A lot of times the people you hold resentment for have let go of you and you should do the same. Allow yourself to let go of anger and hate and just forget them. The best revenge is living your best life.

12. Bask in the sunlight. Kidding, but try to get some sun every day. I have the Verilux Happylight that gives me Vitamin D through the cold and dark Wisconsin winters. However you do it, don’t leave yourself in the dark.

In sum, by combining several of the activities on my list, or even others not mentioned, you can keep yourself happy and improve your mental health throughout even these most uncertain of times.