LIFESTYLE HABITS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
HABITS & ROUTINE SERIES
STEADINESS //// MENTAL HEALTH
If you’re ready to create new habits and improve your quality of life, here are a few ideas that you can incorporate into your lifestyle. First, you’ll need to choose what types of habits will benefit you the most. These aren’t going to be the same for everyone, as someone else’s new habit might not fit into your schedule or lifestyle. Don’t try to be anyone else OR compare yourself to what someone else is doing. Be your authentic self
Here are some different types of habits you can start with – but don’t feel like you can’t add some of your own. At the end of the day, the habit is something that is going to improve YOUR life.
Start Your Day Right
The first selection of habits have to do with how you start each day. They often are incorporated into a new morning routine, but you can start small with just one simple morning habit at a time.
This might mean:
- Making your bed
- Waking up early to have more time for your morning routine
- Adding prayer & bible study/devotion
- Taking your dog on a long walk in the morning
- Cooking breakfast
Think of small, simple habits that would improve your morning. Even as simple as waking up 10 minutes earlier so you have a little extra time to get ready if you have been running late for work often.
Other Daily Habits
There are other types of daily habits you can form as well. Maybe you want to use your journal or planner every evening before bed, have a normal self-care routine once a day, or read out affirmations to yourself each day before you start your day. They can also be things like clearing clutter in your living room, practicing good dental hygiene, or helping your kids with their homework.
Improving Your Physical Health
Some habits are meant to improve your health and vitality each day. These can include cooking more meals at home if you are trying to eat better, doing exercise each day, or drinking more water. Maybe you are trying to lose weight, but you get overwhelmed with changing all your unhealthy habits at the same time. This is when you benefit from just drinking more water and reducing soda for a few weeks, then working on adding in more fruits and vegetables for the next few weeks. Gradually, you become a healthier person and will reach your goals through each small habit.
Improving Your Mental Health
Next you have your mental health. It is important that you take this just as seriously as your physical health. Some habits that are great for mental health include adapting a meditation or mindfulness routine, writing in a journal, and participating in activities that help to reduce your stress levels.
