AD | In today’s busy world, I think it’s fair to say many of us often find it difficult to look after our mental well being. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a rise in the number of people who suffer from issues such as depression. Have you heard of the mantra, “Change your habits, change your life“? Because the good news is there are several good daily habits we can implement to help us focus more on building up our mental well being.
3 good daily habits to focus more on your well being
Well being covers many areas: mental health, physical wellness, and emotional stability. While you won’t always find something that ticks all three boxes, the following 3 good daily habits suggestions are great places to start.
Do something you’re passionate about
Having a hobby or a pastime you’re passionate about is a great way to focus on your well being, as passion-projects can offer numerous benefits for our mental health. Hobbies can help reduce stress, and improve feelings of anxiety. They may help people struggling with depression by giving them much-needed boosts of serotonin when they accomplish something. Hobbies can be anything from reading, crafts, yoga, cooking, and yes, even exercise (allegedly!).
But doing something you enjoy isn’t just restricted to hobbies. It could be making time for your favourite beauty treatment, learning a new skill, and more. Unfortunately, many people consider purchases like this to be unnecessary expenses. Whereas, in reality, doing something you love can help your mental well being and lead to a more fulfilled life in general. And fortunately, thanks to coupon sites and other online resources, we can save money on our favourite pastimes. Which can help reduce any guilt when spending money on improving our mental well being. So if you’re wondering how to save on health and wellness products, why not check out sites like Upgraded Reviews. Their online repository gives shoppers access to coupons and discounts from several sites that focus on health and wellness and more.
Make good sleep a priority
Sleep plays a vital role in our physical and emotional health, yet it’s one of the things that’s often neglected. Some of the health issues that can arise from sleep deprivation include memory issues, a weakened immune system, weight gain, blood pressure problems, and more. So one of the easiest ways to focus more on your well being is by ensuring that you not only get enough sleep, but also that it’s of a decent quality.
There are several things you can do to help ensure quality sleep at night. Firstly, creating and sticking to a sleep schedule. Being consistent with our sleeping hours also helps to reinforce our bodies’ sleep-wake cycles, making it easier to fall asleep at night. Experts also recommend changing your mattress every few years too
The other way to ensure a restful night is to avoid long daytime naps. While we may think that a daytime nap would help our body, studies have shown that naps longer than 30 minutes can cause sleep inertia. This can make people drowsy, irritable, and less productive for the rest of the day. If you’re set on taking a daily nap, make it a short one, no more than 20 and 30 minutes. And take your nap early enough in the day so that it doesn’t affect your sleep cycle.
Stay away from toxic influences in your life
People, things, or situations that can automatically bring a person’s mood down are known as toxic influences. Being in contact with these influences can lead to negativity, feelings of insignificance, and other reactions that can harm your well being. Daily habits examples of toxic influences could be obsessively listening to or reading the world news, or endlessly browsing Instagram. It’s worth remembering that social media isn’t always real, and by cutting these toxic influences out, you can focus more on your well being and safeguard your mental health. Easier said than done sometimes, but still a good daily habit to try and practise.
As I’ve got older, I’ve realised that while physical health is important for people who want to live a long and healthy life, our mental health and emotional well being also play a fundamental role in our overall health. So implementing some good daily habits and focusing on your well being every day will hopefully help you get the most out of your life.
Have you tried any of these suggestions before? How do you focus more on your well being and mental health? What good daily habits do you practise?
* This is a contributed post.
This is a good reminder and easy self-care steps.
I’m really working on improving my quality of sleep, it makes such a massive difference. I’ve been having to stay up to take meds for the past week and I can feel the difference, can’t wait to get back to my regular sleep schedule.
Cora | https://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Thank you, Cora, and I’m sorry to hear your sleep pattern has been disturbed like this – I hope you can get back to your regular routine as soon as possible.
I agree with all of these points. Having something you’re passionate about gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning. If you can’t get it from your job, a hobby can do it for you. Blogging is my passion project.
Absolutely! Blogging started out as my passion project but it’s become more of job now, haha. Still love it but it’s no longer a hobby, my garden is now 🙂
I think i could really do with taking these habits on board. Such simple but I am sure very effective habits to make a priority.
I work so hard all day and then tend to hit my blog for hours each evening, leaving little time for anything else. I do make sure that I am in bed at a reasonable time, but only so I can read until I force myself to put the book down!!
Brilliant post Lisa x x
Aw, thank you so much, Claire, that’s so kind – I know what you mean, it’s really hard to switch off and making time for family or hobbies is so hard! xx
100% agree with all these habits Lisa – especially staying away from toxic influences. I think 2020 really made me consider what was toxic in my life and taking that step away meant everything else fell into place like sleep and making time out for myself instead. The result has meant my metal health has improved and I feel more calm and balanced now.
That’s just wonderful to hear, Hannah! Something positive to come from 2020 then, and I agree with you about taking those steps it’s so important, even if it’s a challenge to do.
I completely agree with what you said! Hobbies are so crucial for our mental health, doing something you love can help so much in boosting your overall mood as well as sleep does! Thanks for sharing Lisax
Thank you so much, I’m so glad you agree – here’s to lots of hobbies in 2021! x
Staying away from toxic influences is my goal this year. Somehow a few have made their way into my life this year
Ah, I hope you can get rid of them, I’m sure it will make such a difference!
These are all great habits Lisa! I would love to make these habits a part of my daily life this year. I really want to practice all of these especially staying away from toxic influences in your life. It’s alarming how toxic people can be and this year, I really want to cut out toxic people, relationships, etc. I also want to do away with anything that can bring my mood down, make me feel sad or affect my mental health. Great post x!
Thank you, Ruthie, and yes, cutting toxic influences is a thing I want to focus on this year too, I think it will make such a difference to the feelings of guilt I experience! x
Good reminders Lisa! I really need to limit my news intake or read them earlier in the day. Now I read bad news just before bedtime and end up having lousy sleep. This week they have been particularly upsetting. But homeschooling is going well and we are all healthy! Have a good weekend xx
I know what you mean, Jenni. I’m guilty of watching the 10pm news and then I find myself mullling over things in bed. Not good! But yay, so pleased ot hear homeschooling is going well for you and that you’re all doing well! xx
I fully agree what all these things can make one feel better. Instead of cutting down on Instagram, I changed who I am following and that is great and much more enjoyable.
That’s such a great tip, Anca, now why didn’t I think of that?!
Great tips, doing something you’re passionate about is so recharging and helpful..
Thank you, it is indeed 🙂
Great habits. I think I need to fix my sleep schedule and give myself a good sleep. Thank you for sharing!
Sleep is something I would LOVE more of this year too!
These are all great habits to get into. I totally agree that doing something you’re passionate about works wonders for your mental health. I do need to get better when it comes to sleep though. I often go to bed later than I should, so don’t get the recommended hours 😬 x
Thank you, Jaclyn – TBH I don’t always get enough sleep either but it’s a habit I want to practise more in 2021 x
Love these tips about creating great habits. It is important to enjoy what you do… I know some of us don’t like to exercise but if we find something about it to enjoy it, it won’t be too bad. Totally agree with staying away from toxic influences!!! I just cut them or mute lol- you don’t need to explain to anyone but yourself!
Nancy ✨
And that is going to be my mantra in 2021 – I don’t need to explain myself to anyone – thank you so much, Nancy!
Getting enough sleep and exercise gives me the energy to go after and habitually do the things I am passionate about. I find we always manage to make time for the things we love.
Removing toxic influences from our lives in the form of writing, friends, news, or otherwise is also so helpful in creating room to grow and opening new horizons. 🙂
I need to make more tine for the things and people I love – that’s my goal this year, although I know some things will have to slip!
I spent far too long writing off sleep as less important than all the things that I wanted to accomplish during the day. The result? I slept FAR too little, constantly feeling burnt out and worn down. As a result, my productivity slowly died away with my sleep. To top it all off, the lack of sleep led to a drop in my immune system, so I also started getting sick more often. I wish I had realized all of this MUCH earlier than I did lol
Oh no, that’s so sad – but it’s great you realised in time and from what I see, your productivity is really hitting it’s stride – long may it continue 🙂
I need to make sleep more of a priority for sure!
I think most of us do 🙂
Sleep is a major priority! It affects everything else I do if I haven’t had enough sleep for sure
Absolutely, I couldn’t agree more!
These are some really helpful tips. I’ve been trying to improve my sleep pattern and evening routine and have noticed such a huge improvement in how I feel during the day. Another thing I think has helped is that I’m making a conscious effort to drink lots more water.
Thank you, Kelly – and yes, drinking more water is a great one, I aim for around 4-6 pints a day if I can 🙂
Good reminders here Lisa, especially the staying away from toxic influences. I try to go out for a walk every day. My sister and I are counting our steps and while I rarely reach 10k steps per day, I am happy with anything that gets me out of the house for a bit. If nothing else I walk to the recycling point with one small bag and tick one thing off my to-do list in the process.
10k steps every day is quite a goal, I don’t think I could manage that more than a couple of times a week and then only on a weekend! But love that you can tick two things off at once, Jenni 🙂
Yes to them all! Although getting into a good sleeping routine is something I have been battling for a few months now. Due to pain levels and just not being able to fall asleep sometimes of a night I get a few hours or no sleep at all. I have been trying different things and so far so good. This year my main personal focus in my physical and mental health so these 3 habits really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing Lisa.
Ah, I’m so sorry to hear about your pain levels, Lauren, I do hope the situation improves for you soon. Glad to hear you’re focusing on your physical and mental health in 2021, wishing you all the best 🙂
Yes to all of these! Setting those boundaries with toxic people is so important cos my god they can bring you down! I think gratitude is also a complete game-changer in improving your every day mental well-being xxx
Gratitude journaling is such a good thing to do, even if you don’t do it every day. It’s a reminder of what’s important and it makes it easier to let other stuff go – thank you, Jenny! xx
Doing something I’m passionate about (blogging, volunteering for a small charity, and writing) really keep me going during the tough times, and I think these are fantastic daily habits to follow and integrate x
Oh that’s great to hear – I’m so glad these things are keeping you feeling positive! x
How amazing is this post, girlfriend! I 1000000% agree with you on staying away from the negative toxins in your life. It can difficult but soooo rewarding once you do!
Oh thank you so much! And yes, it can be difficult but so worth it 🙂
these are all good habits to keep! This year I’d like to get more sleep so I can wake up energized and of course continue to read and blog because I’m passionate about these things. 🙂
Liz
http://www.piecesofliz.com
Yessss to more sleep – I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t want this!
Thanks for sharing, these tips, I need to follow some of these sometimes taking more time to do things than rush around 🙂
Rushing around is something I think far too many of us are experts in!
Hi Lisa, so happy I stumbled across your blog! Great advice! For me, sleep and having a routine is essential to my wellbeing 🙂
Thank you so much, Zoe, that’s so kind – glad to hear you have a good sleep routine 🙂
Love these tips! I actually just wrote down my new morning routine for 2021! I am so excited to start it hihi. I will include some of your tips 🙂
Oh thank you, that’s so kind – good luck for your new routine!
as weird as it may sound I’ve never enjoyed sleeping very much – I normally find it a waste of time, but I do understand that the body needs to replenish but there’s so much I want to get doooone!
I needed to read this!
Ana
Wow, I know what you mean, but I love my sleep – my to do list can wait, haha!
Sleep is so important! That’s why I try and make sure to get to bed at the same time and have certain conditions in my room to help me sleep.
Absolutely – having a good routine is one of the best things for that!
Brilliant post and some great points! I definitely agree that having a hobby helps; for me exercise is something that makes me feel good and is great for my mental health. Also I love crafting and DIY, and gardening as I am naturally a creative person. I do agree that sleep and removing toxic influences are important too! Xx
Thank you, Gemma! So happy to find a fellow gardener, it’s just the best hobby to have 🙂 x
Hey Lisa these is an amazing post!! I think that self-care is something that many people may overlook being that we all lead very busy lives. I would definitely work on getting better sleep and exercise. One hobby that I picked up during the pandemic was learning the guitar and it’s definitely helped to stay focused. Thanks again for sharing these tips 🙂
Congrats on learning the guitar, that sounds like a real lockdown silver lining 🙂