Though true happiness is a lifelong quest, there are some things you can do to make every day better.
Give yourself a mental health makeover with these 18 simple tips for a happier, healthier you.
Stop Stressing Over Other People’s Feelings
Far too many of us live our lives in fear of other people’s reactions. We choose our careers, friends, and even partners because it’s what our parents want, and we don’t want to hurt their feelings. We cater to toxic friends and bend over backward to avoid offending the ridiculous sensibilities of older relatives.
Your mental health will significantly improve when you realize you aren’t responsible for other people’s feelings. Stop tiptoeing around people and start enjoying your life. Let them be mad – that’s their problem, not yours.
Within Reason, of Course
Some folks take not caring about other people’s feelings too far. You must be willing to compromise with your life partner because their feelings matter, too. In addition, you can’t run off to pursue your dreams of being a Twitch streamer when you have three children to support.
When we say stop catering to other people’s feelings, we don’t mean your kids and your partner’s feelings.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
You don’t know what you’re missing until you’ve had a week of great sleep each night. Splurge on a high-quality mattress and pillows and find a routine that allows you eight uninterrupted hours each night.
Getting enough sleep is the secret sauce to a happier, healthier you. You’ll feel ready to take on the world.
Leave them Behind
One of the harshest truths about life is that some folks are a hindrance to your mental health and personal growth.
Someone you thought was your best friend may try to tear you down, your parents may not understand that you want something different, and a potential partner may wish to limit your growth in support of their own.
Letting go of relationships that don’t serve your best interests is vital for a healthy life.
A Living Wage
It’s nearly impossible to enjoy a healthy mental outlook when struggling for basic survival. Finding a job that pays a living wage is crucial to your health and wellness.
Financial Life in Order
A job with a living wage is only the first step in the battle for financial security. A living wage won’t help your mental health if you blow all your money and can’t afford necessities.
Learning financial literacy, building a budget, and making a financial plan that supports your life goals will take the stress out of money and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.
If you need help, check out our DIY financial coaching bundle – a low-cost resource designed to help you understand your relationship with money and make better financial decisions. Taking control of your finances is one of the best things you can do for a happier, healthier you and we can help you do it!
Remove Social Media
Social media shows the highlights of everyone’s life mixed in with the worst news of the day. The insidious mixture slams us with a double whammy: despair about the state of the world mixed with the uneasy feeling that we aren’t doing good enough.
The real world isn’t nearly as bad as social media makes it seem. Stop doom-scrolling and start living; you’ll see.
Get a Cat
Pets enhance your life. Dogs require a ton of work and attention and aren’t suited for small apartments. Cats are far easier, adapting well to smaller places and providing the same level of love, joy, and companionship.
Work Out
When you’re feeling down, the last thing you want to do is exercise. But it helps – a lot.
Working out keeps your mind and body fit. It releases feel-good endorphins that lift your spirits.
Stop Drinking
Alcohol is awful for your mental and physical health. You don’t realize how much it’s affecting you until you give it up completely.
Even a few drinks on the weekends have a negative impact. Give it up; you’ll feel loads better.
Self-Reflection
Let’s be real. Sometimes, you’re the problem.
If you really want to improve your mental health, you need to do some heavy introspection and self-examination to determine where you’re the problem and what you can do to change.
We get that it’s hard. Our egos hate it when we’re wrong, but the only way to become better is to identify the problem and work towards improvement. If you’re struggling, consider hiring a therapist or life coach to help.
Enjoy Nature
When was the last time you sat in the park and watched the squirrels frolic or enjoyed the feel of fresh grass on your feet?
Get out into nature. Smell the flowers and enjoy the serene flow of a gentle brook. You’ll feel refreshed just from being in the fresh air.
Positivity
Sometimes, it’s all a matter of perspective. Trying to find the positive side to any event will help you feel better about your life in general.
Tell yourself how beautiful the day is, and embrace an optimistic attitude.
Travel
Though staycations are lovely, nothing broadens your mind and expands your horizons like journeying to the furthest reaches of the globe. Book a trip somewhere. Get away from it all or explore a new city. You’ll come back with a new perspective and better attitude.
Therapy
Sometimes, grit and perseverance aren’t enough. You need professional help to alleviate your mental health problems. There’s nothing wrong with getting the help you need through a licensed mental health professional.
Start Journaling
Increase your health and wellness with a simple, low cost tool: Journaling. But don’t take our word for it.
Mental health experts speak out about all the benefits journaling offers.
Practice Self Care
Self-Care is essential to wellbeing. Try one of these indulgent self-care activities when you have a moment of spare time. You deserve it.
Savor Every Moment
They often say time flies, and that’s true. We’re often so busy we don’t even notice the days and years slip away.
Stop. Savor more. Enjoy the moment for what it is, rather than thinking about what comes next.
Yes Time Flies – But Here’s How To Savor Every Moment
Find Your Purpose
If you’re feeling depressed because your life lacks meaning, explore ways to bring more purpose to your life.
People need a purpose for happiness. Finding meaning will give you the motivation you need to wake up and face each day, even when it’s hard.
A Happier Healthier You Awaits
We hope these 18 tips helped you realize that finding a happier, healthier you isn’t all that hard. Most of the items on this list are simple, if not easy. Pick a few that speak to you and see how much better you feel after only a few weeks. Your best self is within reach.