We need positive mental health to stabilize our constructive behaviors, emotions, and thoughts. It increases our productivity, enhances our self-image, and improves relationships. Additionally, positive mental health is correlated with positive physical health.

What’s your mental health like?

Are you engaging in some of these 10 unhealthy habits listed by Lily at workoutfrolic.com most of the time?

1. Playing the blame-game

2. Poor stress management

3. Isolating yourself

4. Letting negativity consume you

5. Never saying “no”

6. Sitting all day

7. Poor posture

8. Poor diet

9. Staying up late

10. Social media overconsumption

If you said “YES”, then most likely, your mental health needs work.

What can you do?

Select practices which have been proven effective by research. Here are 6 activities you can practice to make into habits.

1. Keep a simple daily or weekly gratitude journal

2. Write down your thoughts and feelings in a diary

3. Practice regular meditation or mindfulness

4. Do random acts of kindness for a stranger

5. Regularly talk to a friend about your thoughts and feelings

6. Exercise regularly to reduce stress and anxiety

Making these into habits requires change in your daily routine. And change is hard. You may get discouraged when you try and don't get the results you were hoping for. But the reality is that just making the effort is, in fact, progress. Take one small step at a time. For most of us, it won’t be a linear process. We make take a few steps back. And that’s OK. Just keep moving in the direction you need to.

Help is available. Just ask.