1 in 3 people are going to enter a period of mental illness in their lives. This could be triggered by a variety of reasons. Neurochemistry can be a difficult thing to manoeuvre, and if it is a brain problem you should absolutely see your doctor and research the best avenues to take from there. However, other people might find that they’ve slipped into a behavioural depression, either through bad habits or a life event that has dealt some turmoil to their daily functioning.

This needn’t be a permanent diagnosis. Feeling dreadful usually means that it's time for a change. Change in the way you perceive yourself, your health habits, how you approach the world and who you associate with are all things to try in your attempt to be a better person. Remember, full-time happiness isn’t the goal. Being a human being open and available to both the dark and light sides of life is the healthiest way to be. The following list will help you with how to achieve this in the best way.

Meditation

Meditating is one of the better ways to relieve stress. It’s also a great tool for introspection and applied properly and routinely to your morning preparations (only 10 minutes is required,) you might find that you’re able to be present for the harmful actions you’ve allowed yourself to commit without realising.

Upgrading Your Wardrobe

It’s been proven time and time again, if you look great you feel great. You don’t need to be a catwalk model to have confidence. It’s in the way you carry yourself, the attitudes and emotions you bring to a new mode of living. Go shopping with a close friend if you’re looking for a fun day out.

Your mood is interlocked with your self-perception, which is interlocked with your actions, and the cycle repeats. Making the effort to improve one of these, your self-perception helps break that cycle, and you’ll look fantastic doing so.

Upgrading Your Body

It really is difficult to understate the cognitive and physical benefits of exercising. Making sure you’re doing light cardio 3 or 4 times a week, with a friend or without, can help your confidence increase dramatically. This is because you’re meeting with adversity and choosing to overcome it semi-regularly, which carries over to the mood you take towards all challenges that reveal themselves to you.

Eating Right

Eating a diet that’s thick with positive nutrients from Vitamin A-Z and minerals will help you feel much better in your day-to-day functioning. Keeping yourself well hydrated has also been proven to help your cognition.

Taking a Load Off

Taking a load off is important. In fact, it’s necessary to grow. Being a person who’s able to work hard at their dreams every day is fantastic, but it might not be the healthiest way to live. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, working on your sleep hygiene. Make sure to take a day just doing nothing, with no goals in mind, every month or so. It’s important to give yourself the time to breathe, adapt and introspect.

Therapy

Therapy can be an incredibly valuable tool for managing mental health issues. Seeing a licensed therapist can help you develop coping mechanisms and provide a safe space for you to talk through your problems. With the guidance of a therapist, you can gain insight into the root causes of your mental health struggles and learn effective strategies for managing symptoms. Additionally, therapy can provide a source of accountability and motivation to work towards your goals. There are many different types of therapy to choose from, so it's important to find one that feels like a good fit for you and your needs.

Creative Outlet

Engaging in creative activities can be an excellent way to manage stress and improve your mood. Finding a creative outlet, whether it's painting, writing, or playing music, can provide a sense of accomplishment and allow you to express yourself in a way that is unique to you. Creating art can also be therapeutic, helping you process difficult emotions and experiences. Additionally, engaging in a creative activity can provide a sense of flow, where you are completely immersed in the task at hand, which can be deeply satisfying and improve your overall well-being.

Gratitude Journaling

Practicing gratitude can be a powerful way to shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life. One way to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine is through journaling. Each day, take a few minutes to write down three things you're grateful for. These can be big or small, but the act of reflecting on positive aspects of your life can help cultivate a more positive mindset. By focusing on what you do have instead of what you lack, you may find that you feel more content and satisfied overall.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and improving your mental well-being. Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the moment, without judgment or distraction. There are many ways to incorporate mindfulness into your life, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply taking a few moments to be present in the moment. By practicing mindfulness regularly, you may find that you're better able to manage stress and anxiety, and that you feel more calm and centered overall.

Social Support

Having a strong support system can be crucial for maintaining good mental health. Whether it's family, friends, or a support group, having people who you can talk to and rely on can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Social support can provide a sense of connection and belonging, as well as practical assistance when you need it. Additionally, having people who believe in you and support your goals can be a powerful motivator to work towards positive change in your life. If you don't currently have a strong support system, consider reaching out to others or joining a community that aligns with your interests and values.

Final word

Ultimately, how you feel is dictated by how you relate to your environment. Make sure that people around you are the right people for you and that you’re able to live honestly about who you are. Move if needs be. Your health should be the most important priority in your life, and no one should blame you for doing so. Follow these steps and you’ll start to feel much healthier and in turn happier and positive.