Today we tend to see an emphasis on improving the physical aspect of our lives. There’s the emergence of ‘hustle culture’, and it seems that almost everyone on social media nowadays is some kind of doctor or other professional of some kind, giving advice (some correct, some not so correct) on topics that should be taken more seriously — topics like mental health, the importance of which I think gets overshadowed by the significance of focusing on your physical health. At the end of the day, mental health is just as important as physical health; however, it’s often given less attention to. Taking care of your mental health is important for your overall well-being, and here are a few daily practices that can help improve your mental health.

*One practice that I didn’t mention below: GET ENOUGH SLEEP. I can’t stress this enough. If you want the energy to get through the day productively and actually feel like you accomplished something worthwhile, get at least 7 hours of sleep. Chances are a lot of us are getting less than that, and unless you’re not a human being, your sleep deprivation will really impact you over time.

Practice 1: Exercise

Physical exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it also has a positive impact on mental health. Exercise increases the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that help reduce stress and anxiety. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. It can also help improve self-esteem and cognitive function.

There are various types of exercise that you can incorporate into your daily routine. For example, walking, jogging, or cycling are great cardiovascular exercises that can help improve your overall health. Strength training, like weightlifting or resistance band exercises, can help build muscle mass and improve your posture. Yoga and Pilates are great exercises that can help improve flexibility and balance.

Keep in mind that the exercise you do doesn’t have to be an intense, hardcore workout that’ll make you a bodybuilder in 30 days, but it also shouldn’t be something as simple as standing all day (because apparently that burns calories? Didn’t know that.). Find a balance, and most importantly, do something you enjoy. You like swimming? Go swimming! That’s a great way to stay active. Like I mentioned, cycling is a great way to improve your health, and if you’re into it, you’ll have fun too. Enjoy the process.

In the end, physical exercise will not only help the physical appearance aspect of your life, but it will also greatly improve your mental well-being, and leave you feeling much more energetic than before.

Practice 2: Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall well-being. It can also improve concentration and cognitive function.

There are various ways to practice mindfulness. Meditation is a popular practice that involves sitting quietly and focusing on your breath. Yoga is another practice that incorporates mindfulness through movement and breath work. Deep breathing exercises can also be done anywhere and at any time, making it an easy practice to incorporate into your daily routine.

Another important technique that strays away from the meditation aspect of mindfulness is writing a journal. Whether it’s on paper or online, find something to write your thoughts down. It doesn’t have to be paragraphs and paragraphs of writing if you don’t want it to be. It can be simple — just a few words work, as long as you are able to get your thoughts and emotions out onto a piece of paper. Journaling can really help reduce your stress levels; getting your thoughts onto a piece of paper is a way of saying you don’t have to think about them any more. They’ll be out of your head. It’s a great stress management technique, and helps you stay mindful too.

Practice 3: Social Connection

Social connection is so important for mental health. Humans are social creatures, and we thrive on interaction with each other. Social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression, and I’m sure we all faced some sort of loneliness at some point during quarantine in the pandemic. Making an effort to connect with others can do wonders for your mental health — not only can you have fun, but it can help your confidence too. The more you put yourself out there, the more confident you will become. This can be as simple as meeting a friend for coffee, joining a club or group, or volunteering in the community.

Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family who live far away. However, I think it is important to make an effort to connect with people in-person. In my opinion, it’s the best kind of interaction.

Conclusion

Incorporating daily practices such as exercise, mindfulness, and social connection, among so many others, can have a huge impact on your mental health. Start by incorporating one or two of these practices into your daily routine, and see how it impacts your overall well-being. It is important to prioritize mental health and make it a part of your daily routine, because if you have a great mental well-being, you’ll start to see the other areas of your life start to click as well. It’s like a line of dominoes; when one drops, the others will follow.