We all know that maintaining healthy habits is essential for our physical health. But did you know that certain habits can also benefit your mental health?

Well, mental health awareness is a topic that is getting more and more attention nowadays. And rightly so! After all, our mental health is just as important as our physical health.

But what exactly is mental health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. And it's not just about avoiding mental illness. Achieving good mental health means feeling good about yourself and being able to function in your day-to-day life.

And one of the most important factors is maintaining the kind of habits of health that promote sustained physical and mental well-being. And creating routines can help you do just that – avoiding things like procrastination, depression, and anxiety and can help you organize your daily activities. It can also motivate you to reach your goals.

So if you're looking to improve your mental health, here are some simple habits you can start doing:
 

1. Get enough sleep

Sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. When we don't get enough sleep, it can lead to a whole host of problems, including anxiety, irritability, and depression.

Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. And if you have trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to help yourself:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Implementing the morning routine of waking up at the same time each day will also help.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.

• Create a relaxing bedtime routine, including winding down for 30 minutes before sleep and ditching the screen time.
   

2. Eat healthily

What we eat can have a big impact on our mental health. Eating unhealthy foods can lead to low energy levels, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating.

On the other hand, eating a healthy diet can help improve your mood and energy levels. It's also been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Some healthy foods to incorporate into your diet include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Lean protein

• Healthy fats like olive oil and avocados
   

3. Exercise regularly

Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but it can also improve our mental health. It can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve our mood and energy levels.

Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. This can be something as simple as going for a walk, doing some yoga, or going for a swim.
 

4. Take breaks during the day

When we're constantly going, it can lead to feelings of burnout and fatigue. That's why it's important to take breaks during the day.

Taking a few minutes to yourself to relax and rejuvenate is one of those healthy habits that we tend to forget. But it's important to take some time for yourself every day, even if it's just 10-15.

Take a break from work to go for a walk outside or take a few minutes to meditate.
 

5. Connect with others

Making time to connect with others is important for our mental health. When we feel isolated and alone, it can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety.

Reach out to family and friends, or even join a social group or club. If you're struggling to connect with others, consider opting for an online community you can join.
 

6. Do something you enjoy

Doing things we enjoy can help reduce stress and improve our mood. It can also give us a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

So make time for activities you enjoy, whether that's reading, painting, hiking, or anything else. Doing things we enjoy can help us feel more balanced and happier overall.
 

7. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, and it's one of the daily habits I've learned to practice religiously. When we're mindful, we're not dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Instead, we're focusing on the present moment.

Mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve our mood and focus. And there are several ways you can practice mindfulness including meditation, yoga, and journaling.
 

8. Start small

If you're struggling to make big changes to your habits, start small with healthy swaps. Instead of completely overhauling your diet, for example, start by adding a few more fruits and vegetables to your meals.

Or, if you don't exercise regularly, start by adding a short walk to your daily routine. Making small changes can be more manageable and can still make a big impact on your mental health.

You see, when you take control of your health by habit and prioritize your daily routine, you open the door to limitless possibilities. Not only will you improve your mental health, but you'll also be more likely to achieve your goals. So don't wait, even if it's just one tiny habit you can implement starting today! These simple changes can make a big difference in your life.

And before you go, I do want to mention one more thing that can work to further improve your mental health. It's a quick 30-second quiz that reveals the number one thing blocking you from the freedom to live the life you truly want. So you can go here now to take the quiz and find out what's holding you back! I can't wait to hear what it reveals for you.