Have you ever felt stressed, overwhelmed or just plain down? Mental well-being is just as important as physical health. It impacts how you feel, think and act. When your mental well-being is thriving, you can better cope with life’s challenges, build strong relationships and enjoy your life to the fullest. When your mental well-being is low, even everyday tasks can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Mental well-being affects your:

• Emotions
• Thoughts
• Behavior
• Relationships
• Physical health

By taking steps to promote your mental well-being, you’re investing in your overall happiness and well-being. When you look at it that way, it can be easy to see why you want to take steps to help make sure you keep your mental well-being a top priority. 

Embrace your best self: Engaging tips for boosting your mental well-being

In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to feel like you don’t have time to take care of yourself. It’s easier than you might think to carve out a few moments to adopt a few simple strategies to help boost your mental well-being. Some practical tips and supportive strategies include:

• Keep a journal — You can keep a journal and track things you’re grateful for or things you accomplish each day. This can help shift your perspective and foster a healthy and more positive outlook. 
• Do something you enjoy — Try to take a few minutes every day to do an activity you enjoy. If you love to cook, you can cook a meal. If you love to read, indulge in reading or listening to a few chapters. These can help you feel recharged and relaxed. 
• Do something creative — Doing something creative like drawing, taking photos, coloring or painting can help distract you from difficult thoughts or feelings. It may help you understand yourself better or give you an outlet to express things in a safe way. You also have a piece of art to show off. 
• Spend time in nature — Spending time in nature can help improve your mood by reducing feelings of stress and anger. The fresh air and vitamin D from sunshine can do your mind and heart good. It doesn’t have to be long periods of time; even a quick walk around the block or sitting in your backyard can do the trick. 
• Get enough sleep — Making sure you get enough sleep each night can help you stay more alert and be less stressed. It can also help improve your memory.
• Eat a balanced diet — Good nutrition is essential for mental and physical well-being. Mood-boosting foods can help support mental health. It can also be helpful to indulge in a favorite treat now and then, too. 
• Keep yourself active — Exercise isn’t just for your physical health. Physical activity releases endorphins. These are your body’s natural mood boosters that can help ease stress and anxiety. Getting in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercises a week can make a big difference. You can even squeeze in a brisk walk or a dance party in your room for a quick boost. 
• Stay connected with others — Humans are also social creatures, and strong relationships are essential for mental well-being. Talking with people can help stimulate your brain. Feeling connected to others can also provide you with a sense of belonging and support. 
• Learn a new skill or hobby — Challenge yourself and learn a new skill or hobby. Try taking a new class or reading a book on a topic that interests you. Learning new things can help boost your confidence and keep your mind sharp.  
• Give your brain a mental workout — Playing a game that engages your brain through a combination of memory, decision-making and strategizing can help keep your brain active. Playing with a group of friends can also give you a chance to have more interaction and connection. 
• Cut back on social media — Staying glued to your social media accounts can make you constantly compare yourself to others. This constant comparison can lead you to have feelings of low self-worth, which can increase feelings of anxiety and depression. Cutting back can help you break this cycle. 
• Learn to say no — It’s OK to set boundaries to help you prioritize your well-being. Don’t be afraid to say no when saying yes will leave you feeling overwhelmed or depleted. 

Mental wellness check: Signs it’s time to ask for mental health support 

Just like when you’re having struggles with your physical health, there are times you may need professional help for mental well-being support. There’s no shame in seeking help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or anger
• Drastic changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Talking to a therapist or other qualified mental health professional can provide you with valuable tools and support to help you manage mental health challenges and improve your overall well-being. If you find yourself needing help, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many people experience challenges with their mental well-being at some point in their lives. 

Mental well-being is a journey, not a destination, and Lightfully can help when you need support

At Lightfully Behavioral Health, we believe your mental well-being is the strong foundation for a fulfilling life. That’s why we have pioneered the use of process-based therapy (PBT) to provide whole-person-centered care. We help and see the whole person, not just the symptoms or a diagnosis. The framework of our comprehensive PBT approach uses the most effective components of evidence-based modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) to create a compassionate and fully personalized treatment plan. The proven tips outlined here can be a good starting point, but you don’t have to do it all alone. Our licensed clinical therapists can help you develop healthy coping skills, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and explore alternative strategies that can empower you to take control of your mental well-being.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, contact us. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.