Mental health should be characterized by well-being, feeling well, having fulfilling relationships, and having the ability to cope. Mental health influences how people think, communicate, learn, and grow. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five U.S. adults live with mental illness (57.8 million in 2021). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Even if you aren’t diagnosed with a mental illness, mental health is still important for everyone to strive to maintain. 

 Here are 10 tips to be mindful of:

1. Stay present in the moment

Stop worrying about the future and the past. Try to stay present in the moment. For some people, anxiety really starts to set in when they find themselves worried about the future. Remember that you are living in the present and that’s where your focus should be. 

2. Let go of the things you can’t control

It can be hard to curb depression and anxiety. One of the best things you can do is to let go of the things you can’t control. A lot of our stress comes from trying to control and micromanage every part of our lives. If we can let go of the things we can’t control and focus our positive energy on the things we can, then it’ll help all of us feel better in the long run. 

3. Don’t be afraid to seek help

If you feel like you are having trouble, don’t be afraid to seek help. There are lots of resources out there for you to use. If you feel like you are suffering from a mental illness, then you should seek help from a doctor. The doctor can evaluate you and create a plan of care that best suits you. If you see a friend, associate, or loved one displaying signs of mental distress, then you should check in with them to see how they are doing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your Ascension Personalized Care doctor for support. On-demand spiritual care with trained, experienced chaplains is also available online 24 hours a day to help ease your mind and lift your spirits with one-on-one compassionate care. 

4. See a doctor before taking medication

For some mental illnesses, medication is one of the best ways to help. However, you should never self-medicate. You should always see a doctor before taking medication for mental illness. They are the experts on what the best treatment for you will be. 

5. Eat foods that boost mental health

Eating healthy foods can have a positive impact on the chemicals in your brain. This can help curb anxiety and depression. It isn’t a substitution for medicine, but it can be beneficial. Cut down on foods with processed sugar. Replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables. 

6. Exercise regularly

Choose an exercise activity that you can incorporate into your daily routine. This should be an activity that brings you joy and relieves stress. Examples include doing yoga, walking your dog, or hiking. Exercising outdoors is a great way to promote positive mental health. 

7. Start journaling your thoughts and feelings

If your thoughts or feelings start to get overwhelming, then you should journal. Journaling is a great way to express what is going on inside of your head. Don’t be afraid to write everything down on the page. You’ll feel a lot better once you release the stress that is inhibiting you. 

8. Utilize meditation apps

Don’t know how to meditate? There are a lot of useful meditation apps out there to help you release stress and tension. You can download different apps and stick with the one that is most helpful for you. Don't forget to check out Ascension Personalized Care mindfulness meditation resources at Ascension Mindfulness Meditation Video Library. New recordings have just been added. Just taking a few minutes out of your day to focus on breathing and being mindful can do wonders for your mental health. 

9. Talking about how you are feeling

Remember that it’s okay to not be okay. There is no need to be ashamed of how you are feeling. Verbalizing your feelings is a way of releasing them. You shouldn’t have to hold in your problems. Find a friend or therapist that you trust to talk about how you are feeling. Ascension offers online behavioral health treatment programs personalized for each person’s needs-as an adult, senior, adolescent, or child. 

10. Maintain good mental health habits

It is important to try and maintain good mental health habits. You can practice all of these tips all year long. Once you get in the groove of practicing positive thinking, then it will help improve your mental health in a lot of different ways.