8 mental health tips you can follow today

Did you know more than 51 million Americans are dealing with mental health conditions? Many people let mental health issues go untreated, but if not dealt with properly, a deteriorating mental state can greatly affect your quality of life. There are many ways to develop positive mental health, from getting regular exercise to managing your thoughts and feelings. Finding mental health tips that resonate with you is your first step to prioritizing your mental well-being. 

What is mental health?

Your mental health is comprised of your social, psychological and emotional state. Although we sometimes hear the term “mental health” and think about mental illness, the two are not the same. Mental illness encompasses disorders that occur in the brain, like depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 

Your mental health depends on a variety of factors, including genetics and chemistry of the brain, past life experiences and a family history of mental health struggles. And our mental health definition is not one that’s confined to a specific stage of your life – it’s an all-encompassing aspect that comes into play at any age. 

An accurate mental health definition acknowledges that developing mental wellness is a process, not a destination. Everyone must tend to their mental well-being, whether or not they have a diagnosable mental health condition. 

The language we use when asking, “How can I maintain my mental health?” shapes the actions we take. An inclusive approach empowers everyone to build the contented lives we deserve. Rather than thinking of mental health as a state you either have or don’t have, think of it as existing on a continuum.

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Why is mental health important?

Your mental health is essential to your well-being. When your mental health is suffering, it can affect every aspect of your life because it impairs how you think, feel and, eventually, act. This change in your emotional and mental state leads to physical action, or a lack thereof. In order to live in a beautiful state, you have to take control of your mental health, because as Tony Robbins says, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” Positive mental health guides you in the direction of positive action.

Positive mental health will boost your productivity and cultivate an attitude where you desire to contribute to your community in a productive way. A positive and joyful disposition is a powerful way to prevent the signs of depression from arising. A lifestyle focused on progress helps you grow and meet daily challenges in a direct manner. 

what is mental health

How can I maintain my mental health?

While mental health issues ought to be dealt with with the aid of a professional, such as a doctor or therapist, there are a lot of mental health tips you can follow on your own. Mental health can be handled by monitoring your mood, engaging in self-care, changing your physical activity and participating in social activities, among other things.

1. Take stock of your mental health

Before you turn to a mental health guide, first identify what’s causing you to believe your mental health is deteriorating. Has something happened that changed your state? Or are you picking up on smaller signs, like a lack of interest in things you once loved or a decline in energy? Are you stuck in a loop of negative thoughts or habits? 

There’s no shame in acknowledging that you’re feeling off, but it’s crucial that you recognize what you’re going through and decide to move past it. There’s some reason why you’re not feeling like yourself, and it’s important to get to the root cause so you can address it. 

It’s important to know that everyone suffers from lows and highs in their experience. It’s safe to say that no one is incredibly happy 100% of the time, and no one is 100% sad all of the time. If you feel like your mental health is suffering, don’t beat yourself up over it. When you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts or feelings, don’t think of yourself as broken.

2. Avoid perfectionism

improve your mental health through change

Mental health is not the same as mental perfection. The former is the ever-evolving experience of your thoughts, feelings and physiology; the latter is impossible. One of the most dangerous mental health tips is that it equates to the absence of unpleasant emotions. A life without struggles would be nice, but it’s an unrealistic expectation. Believing you’re inferior or bad for having mental health struggles contributes to feeling isolated or de-prioritizing your mental wellness.

As you work to develop your own mental health guide, understand that when you take action to build wellness into your inner world, you’re not doing it to achieve a state of perfection. You’re cultivating positive mental health as a source of comfort and joy.

3. Recognize your current state isn’t permanent

When we ask ourselves how to develop positive mental health, an important part of the answer is realizing that mental wellness is an ongoing process. Mental health isn’t something you deal with once. The state of your mind is something that’s constantly changing, and you need to treat it as such.  

Think about your body – your physical health is something you need to constantly tend to through eating nutritiously, exercising and regulating for signs of disease. Your mind is the same way.

The best thing you can do for your mental well-being is to recognize that your current state isn’t permanent. When you’re feeling depressed, anxious or less interested in things you used to enjoy, give yourself a moment. Practice breathing techniques to see if you can diffuse the situation. If your signs persist, you can use other mental health tips. 

Learn how to recognize the signs of a decline in your mental state so you can reframe your thoughts and find activities that can help you get over this temporary state. Reframe your thoughts from negative to positive, because, as Tony Robbins says, “Whatever you hold in your mind on a consistent basis is exactly what you will experience in your life.” Don’t think of life as happening to you – instead, life is happening for you. This small tweak in your thoughts can lead to a world of improvement in your mental health.

4. Change your physical state

The connection between your mind and body can’t be overlooked. Your thoughts determine your actions, but your physicality also affects your emotions. If you find yourself in a depressed or stressed state, take a moment to adjust your posture. Stretch. Go outside and take a walk. Engage in a physical activity that you love. Exercise and changing your physiology are key to how to maintain mental health.

5. Modify your diet

There’s a direct link between how you feel and what you eat. A healthy and nutritious diet is one filled with vital nutrients and minerals, like omega-3, vitamin D and magnesium all essential building blocks that power your body’s key functions. 

Tony’s a strong believer in making definite choices to transform your lifestyle. Since a proper mental health definition incorporates your overall well-being, modifying your diet is one of the best ways to develop beneficial habits around your mental health and feel better physically at the same time.

improve your mental health through your diet

6. Fast to help your body reset

If you’ve been eating poorly and feel sluggish or if you’re just seeking a way to clear your head and give your body a chance to recover, fasting can be a powerful tool. When you fast, you don’t have to completely cut out all food. Rather, focusing on when your body is hungry and then eating helps your body balance out different hormones. A body in tranquility helps you address your mental health since you’ll physically feel stronger and more energetic.  

Fasting is seen as a positive stressor that spurs the body to adapt by enhancing the renewal of cells and promoting detoxification. There are a few popular methods of intermittent fasting for those interested in following a regimented fasting plan. The 16/8 method, for example, has you eating inside of an eight-hour window and then fasting for the remaining hours in the day. 

Other strategies, like the eat-stop-eat method, involve a total fast for one or two days per week with a regular eating schedule on the other days. This plan is a great option for those who wish to give their body a complete period of rest for a short period of time each week. 

When it comes to fasting as a mental health tip, don’t worry about what plan to follow. Experiment and then stick with the method that feels most natural to you and seems to give the best results.

7. Find activities you’re passionate about that boost your mental health

practicing good mental health

Are you spending your evenings alone? Do you have energy that you’re unsure of what to do with? Is this downtime causing your mind to wander to dark places – and making you wonder, “How can I maintain my mental health?” Instead of allowing a negative state to take hold, explore new activities that bolster your mental health. 

Whether it’s learning a new language, diving into a new sport or exercise routine or even finding a new podcast to listen to, it’s important for your mental health to spend your downtime in a way that makes you feel fulfilled. 

You’ll be able to add this new activity into your routine, perhaps learn a new skill and bolster your mental health in the process. Search the Internet or ask friends in your area to learn about classes and opportunities for you to learn new skills and expand your social circle. Diving into a new activity will be more fulfilling and enjoyable if you can do so with like-minded people.

8. Socialize

Whether you’re around people at the office all day or work from home alone, life can sometimes feel isolating. With all the time we spend on social media or searching the Internet, reminding ourselves to engage in real-life interactions is one of the best mental health tips out there. This could be something as straightforward as making sure you read your kids bedtime stories each night, or something more involved like joining a book club with a new group of friends. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you will help to fight off a poor mental state while simultaneously filling your life with joy.

Essential mental health tips and definitions
Depression: Signs and symptoms

man mental healthHave you been feeling sad, frustrated or lost? You might be existing in a depressed state. Here’s how to recognize and treat signs and symptoms of depression.

What is a panic attack?

battling mental health issuesHow does your body react, psychologically and physically, under extreme stress? Learn the common symptoms and causes of panic attacks.

Emotional health 

Emotional health gives us confidence, adaptability and resilience and can help us succeed in life. But what is mental health, and how can you improve it? Find out more here. 

Types of therapy 

The human mind is complex, and there are many types of therapy that can be personalized to your own mental health. Learn the differences and discover which one might be right for you.

Obsessions, addictions and compulsions

OBSESSIONS, ADDICTIONS AND COMPULSIONS

Email, smartphones and social media are convenient – but they can also become a compulsion. Learn more about behavioral addictions and get mental health tips to break them.

 

Science of happiness

finding happiness for mental healthWe shape our own sense of happiness in life, but what part does your brain play in creating joy? Discover the reasoning and science of happiness.

How ADHD affects the brain

woman dealing with mental healthDiscover how ADHD affects the brain and uncover the aftermath of treatment solutions. Here’s the science behind how this common disorder impacts your brain.

ADHD symptoms in kids

little girl with adhdOver 6 million children in America have ADHD. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment solutions for this disorder.

Overmedication

overmedication mental healthLearn about the dangers of overmedication and pain treatment alternatives. Discover four effective ways to wellness that do not involve a prescription.

Prescription drug abuse

prescription drug abuse and mental health

Prescription drug abuse is a serious issue in America. Here’s the ultimate mental health guide to dealing with the negative impacts of this issue.

Mental health and stress
Teen stress

mental health in teensDoes your teenager appear overly stressed? Here are ways you can help your child navigate tension and mounting responsibilities.

Student stress

student stress in collegeStress is commonplace in college settings, but there are still ways to stay on track while de-stressing. Discover how you can thrive even under pressure.

Physiological vs. psychological stress

Understanding the relationship between physiology and psychology is essential to mental health. Learn about both types of stress and how to handle them.

Work burnout

Discover how to adopt sustainable habits and begin focusing on your overall mental health and wellness to beat work burnout once and for all.

How to maintain mental health
Self-care

reading to help mental healthSelf-care plays a crucial role in recharging your emotional, physical and mental health. Practice these self-care tips in order to power yourself toward achieving your goals.

How to stop a panic attack

man dealing with mental health issuesAre panic attacks taking a toll on your quality of life? Here are ways you can calm yourself before and during painful episodes of panic attacks.

How to help a depressed spouse

mental health in relationshipsIs your spouse facing a battle with depression? These are ways you can support your depressed partner while sustaining your marriage.

How to get over a mental block
mental block

Are you having trouble thinking freely? Here are some ways you can clear your mind and overcome a mental block.

How to get out of a bad mood

change your words to change your life

Emotional mastery is an important part of how to develop positive mental health. Learn how you can choose positivity over negativity and improve your mood right now.

Letting go of fear

fear

Fear of failure is one of the most common limiting beliefs that holds people back from achieving their goals. Unlock the secrets to this unstoppable belief in yourself.

 

Releasing your expectations

Learn how to experience inner peace and unbridled joy with Tony’s advice: “Trade your expectations for appreciation and your whole world changes in an instant.”

Dealing with abusive family members

Sometimes we need help with someone else’s mental health issues. This mental health guide is for those with abusive or manipulative family members.

Important note

The information and other content provided in this article, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. See full disclaimer.

Ready to experience the extraordinary life you deserve?

Reaching a healthy state of mind is not an easy journey and it doesn’t have an overnight solution, but there are ways to work toward the state you deserve. With the right information and support, you can build a solid foundation for mental health to live a fulfilling life. Discover how to reframe your mindset and conquer the roadblocks that prevent you from reaching your beautiful state with the help of Tony Robbins’ free digital Limiting Beliefs guide.