You only have one life, and you don’t want to live it perpetually sad or angry. If you find that your mental health is less-than-stellar, it’s time to make changes that promote positivity. Here are eight things you can do to improve the way you feel every day.

Change jobs.

Most of our stress comes from where we work. If you’re unemployed, underemployed, or miserable where you are employed, now might be a great time to start looking at other avenues. Try looking for another job or consider getting an advanced degree to boost your earning power. You can go to school online without giving up your income (and while still spending time with your family). If you go the online route, do your research first to confirm that your affordable school is also accredited.

Stay close to nature.

The Blue Ocean Life Co. was founded after Mike Coughlin realized for himself the healing powers of the ocean. In that vein of thought, he created his clothing line that serves as a continual reminder to embrace the minimalist beauty of the world around you. Maintain this mindset throughout each day, and make a point to go outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Declutter.

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve all been spending more time at home. From schools being closed to working remotely, the place we live has transformed into the place we do just about everything. Give yourself freedom from clutter by cleaning and organizing. This will not only help you create a positive, healthy, and healing presence at home, it will also keep your mind clear when it’s time to work or head out into the world.

Evaluate your relationships.

The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee says it best, “Building positive support systems is key to self-care.” What this really means is that you need good influences in your life. Take the time to evaluate your relationships, whether that’s with family, friends, or a romantic partner. If your interactions with these people don’t boost your self-esteem, it’s time to change the dynamic of your relationships.

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Learn photography.

There are plenty of benefits to art therapy of any kind. But, in the digital age, photography is worth a second look. Learning how to use a camera is a great confidence-boosting activity. Plus, you have an opportunity to spend time outside alone shooting the landscape or have fun conversations with new people as a portrait photographer.

Go surfing.

Surf therapy is a great way to practice mindfulness while being out in nature. It’s often used in addiction treatment, but surfing is great for anyone that needs to change their state of mind.

Skip dining out.

What you eat does have an influence on how you feel, and when you cook for yourself, you tend to eat healthier. Well And Good asserts that people who cook for themselves more often have a more balanced diet and tend to focus more on the food they put in their bodies. Further, cooking is an act of self-love that’s relaxing and helps to connect you with others.

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Talk to yourself.

Whether you realize it or not, you are your own best ally and greatest source of advice. Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself, which can help you come up with answers to life’s problems. Further, you’ll have an opportunity to reflect on yourself while reducing stress and improving your organizational skills.

There are hundreds of thousands of ways to improve your mental health. We’ve listed just eight. If you haven’t tried any of these, there’s never a wrong time to change your actions and habits to do yourself the most good. From learning how to cook changing jobs or picking up a new hobby, the mood-boosting advice above may be just what you need to take control of yourself, starting with your mental health. 

About the Contributor:

Camille Johnson created Bereaver (bereaver.com) after she went through the ups and downs of the bereavement process herself following the loss of her parents and husband. With the help of her friend who was also experiencing a loss of her own, she learned how to grieve the healthy way, and she wants to share that with others. There is no one way to grieve, but it is important to do it in a way that supports your physical and mental health throughout.