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7 Simple Ways Busy Adults Can Boost Their Mental Health Daily

Life today moves at a fast pace. It can be hard to keep up and juggle everything demanding your attention – work, parenting, relationships, deadlines, sports games, school activities, get-togethers, volunteer requests, and more. Through the hustle and bustle, it’s important to remember that you matter! Taking care of yourself is vital to your mental wellness. Not only will it make you feel better, it will also have a positive impact on those around you. While it can feel overwhelming trying to fit self-care into your already hectic day, the good news is that it can be done! Here are seven simple ways you can boost your mental health daily, despite your busy schedule.

  1. Reclaim Your Morning – We all know that it’s important to get enough sleep each night. But good sleep habits also extend into the morning. If you start your day by immediately checking your phone, you’re bombarding your brain with stressful things right away. You’re jumping straight into “busy” mode without giving yourself time to wake up. Try to create a routine for yourself that doesn’t involve screen time or stress-inducing news first thing in the morning.
  1. Get Outside – An easy way to care for your mental health is to get outside. Just 5-15 minutes of sun, three times a week, helps your body release serotonin and produce vitamin D, both of which can help stave off depression and anxiety. Try having your morning coffee outside or taking a short walk. 
  1. Sneak Movement into Your Day – Exercise can help with just about everything, from energy and sleep to memory and mood. It’s associated with improvements in anxiety and depression, stress, and other mental health conditions. Some ways you can sneak movement into your day include parking further away when you drive somewhere, stretch at your desk, or stand while working. 
  1. Stop Multitasking – Multitasking might feel like you’re getting a lot done, but usually it just lowers your productivity. It can mentally overwhelm you and bring anxiety and stress to your day. Instead of multitasking, be purposeful with your time. Prioritize your tasks and focus on what you’re doing in the present. 
  1. Schedule Breaks – It can be easy not to take breaks for yourself throughout the day, but breaks, even short ones, can help you feel re-centered and better focused. Schedule five minutes to take a walk outside or practice yoga. 
  1. Set Clear Work-Life Boundaries – Blurred lines between work life and home life are a common cause of stress for adults. It’s important to fully separate these two environments, even if neither one is stressful. Also, making time for friends and family can be difficult if you’re exhausted after work every day. Be intentional with your time and carve out time for the people you care about. 
  1. Find Your Happy Place – Having a “happy place” allows you to create a mental escape where you can destress and relax. Even during a hectic day, you can pause and retreat to this place to calm yourself. Create a vivid picture of your happy place in your mind. Wherever it is, try to incorporate sensations. Envision the sights, smells, and sounds of the place.

If you find that you are struggling, St. Luke’s Penn Foundation is here to help you navigate life stressors and stay balanced in your day-to-day life.