6 Things You Can Do Today To Improve Your Mental Health On World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day. Every year on October 10th, the day is observed to raise awareness about mental health around the world. It's also a day to support those experiencing mental health issues. This years theme is 'Mental health is a universal human right." According to the World Health Organization, this means, "Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community."

While they are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Mental health is not mental illness. Mental health includes your social, emotional, and psychological well-being. While mental illnesses are diagnosed conditions that affect thoughts and behaviors. It's important to note that mental health is unique to each person. What looks like mental health for one person, isn't necessarily the same for someone else. Although the World Health Organization describes "good mental health as someone being capable of: "effectively coping with stressors," "learning and working well," and "contributing to their community."

It's also important to remember that you can have good mental health while living with a mental condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. And yes, you can have poor mental health, even without a mental health condition. You can have low mood and feel anxious, even without living with depression or an anxiety disorder. Things like burnout, grief, physical health conditions, and stress can all lead to poor mental health.

There are some signs that you should look out for when deciding if professional help is needed for you. According to Forbes Health, here are some of the signs.

There are many ways to improve your mental health. Here are 6 actions you can take to help yourself. From the creative to the crafty!

I know, if you're not someone who likes to exercise everyday, this may sound counterintuitive. Yes, I'm guilty. But moving your body doesn't have to just look like going to the gym, going for a run, or lifting heavy weights. Those are all great examples, but they're not the only ones. Binge-watching a show? Get up and stretch. Other options: take the dog on an extra long walk, rake those leaves, or learn one of the latest dance challenges on TikTok or Instagram. Even if you're not into Kpop, this one from BTS' Jungkook is great!

https://essentialhealth.health/benefits-of-sleep/

Poor sleep is linked to so many issues, and your mental health is no exception. It's linked to a greater risk of anxiety or depression, higher stress levels, and poor mood. Make changes to be sure to get a good night's rest. Develop a bedtime routine that involves doing something relaxing, stick to your bedtime, and a tough one...turn off all your screens!

https://www.makeuseof.com/ways-to-overcome-mindless-scrolling-habit/

We're all guilty of it. We all do it. And we all love it. But all of this scrolling we're doing, is not great for our mental health. You know how it works, you go to look up one thing, and the next thing you know it's two hours later and way past your bedtime. So do yourself a favor and go for a walk instead.

https://www.verywellmind.com/surprising-psychological-benefits-of-music-4126866

Music has a way of making everything better. It's a great escape, it can lift our mood, and even get you moving. I've made a special "feel good" playlist to listen to when I'm feeling down, and it definitely makes a difference. Bonus points if you listen to it on a drive and sing at the top of your lungs.

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2022/How-Volunteering-Improves-Mental-Health

My mother always said that the best way to feel better is to do something for someone else. If you can take the focus off of your problem, and figure out how to help someone else, it will definitely lift your spirits. You could also pick an organization close to your heart to volunteer with on a regular basis.

https://shswny.org/the-unexpected-benefits-of-crafting#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20crafting%20has%20also,be%20a%20natural%20anti%2Ddepressant.

I just love a crafty project! Paint, draw, crochet, do woodwork, make jewelry. The possibilities are endless. Getting lost making something is one of my favorite things to do. If you need some idea, Pinterest has tons of ideas no matter what you're interested in.