There are countless pricey, quick and dangerous ways to improve your mental health. Medications, therapy and other options seem to be the go-to for people who want to be overall happier. Of course, there are people with mental disorders who truly depend on professionals and medication to function from day to day, but when you’re only suffering from normal, everyday blues, there are safer, cheaper (free!) ways to conquer mental health. These seven, seemingly minuscule, methods for a happier you will get you thinking positive and feeling better physically and mentally.
1. Drink Water
Sounds simple, right? But even drinking the recommended amount of water a day (eight 8 oz. glasses) is tough to do. But drinking more than that will benefit you even further. Just like a shower cleans the outside of your body, drinking water cleans the inside. After just three days of drinking enough water, you’ll feel more energetic, less groggy and in a better mood.
2. Pray/ Worship /Show Gratitude
No matter what God you believe in, or even if you don’t believe in any, giving yourself at least five minutes at the end of every day to reflect on what you are thankful for can help you do some serious de-stressing. This will ease your mind on the negative things going on and help you focus on all of the good things in your life and how fortunate you really are.
3. Fake It
Okay, this may sound ridiculous, but it actually works. Studies show that if you fake a smile and act happy to others it will turn into real, genuine happiness. Feelings ALWAYS follow actions. If you feel angry towards a friend, do something nice for them, or compliment them and when you see them soften, so will you.
4. Don’t sweat It
Let’s be honest, everyone has overreacted about something that didn’t deserve the unnecessary attention. Learning to choose your battles is a valuable trait to have, yet so many of us sweat the small stuff. When faced with issues like this, think to yourself, “Is it worth it?” Think about if the problem will be resolved if you get worked up about it. More often than not, it won’t.
5. Treat Yo Self
Getting a reward for being good doesn’t just work for kids and puppies. When you feel like you’ve treated yourself well, dealt with daily life situations in a positive manner and overall feeling happier, reward yourself. Whether that is ice cream, a day off or a shopping spree, you deserve it. And chances are you will repeat the cycle, too.
6. Put Away Your Phone
In today’s world, we are attached to technology. Even though it seems like humans will evolve into having cell phones attached to our palms, always being connected can do more bad than good. Staring at fitness accounts on Instagram is poison to your brain, and so is reloading Snapchat stories to see who is hanging out without you. Try to go at least two hours a day off social media.
7. Embrace It
Understanding that you have personal imperfections, whether it be in your life, physical or internal and accepting them is almost the key to happiness. Being comfortable in who you are can do wonders on how you feel on a day-to-day basis as well as how you view/treat others.
Doing all seven of these steps all at once may be challenging, but trying one at a time, either separately or adding on another gradually, will help you feel happier. You may not be able to control what goes on around you, but you can always control how you react to it.
