Last updated on December 10th, 2024 at 06:00 am
In my early 20s, I was in really great shape. Fit, active, and strong but mentally, I was struggling, although no one would ever believe it. Anxiety seemed to control my every move, making my new college life feel like an uphill battle. I had committed to making fitness a key part of my college experience, and I did so with great dedication. In the process, I neglected my mental health, which made navigating my academic life much harder than it needed to be.
It took time for me to realize that true well-being isn’t just about being physically fit, it’s also about mental and emotional health. After much soul searching and some counseling, I discovered a few key practices that helped me improve my mental well-being, and I wish I had known these tips sooner. If you’re looking to feel better, more energized, and mentally clear, these insights could help you too.
- Find Your “Fire” to Start the Day
This might sound cheesy, but hear me out: finding something that sparks excitement in the morning is crucial for mental well-being. We all want to wake up with a sense of purpose and motivation. Whether it’s a passion project, your career, or something personal you’re working on, identifying a goal or activity that energizes you in the morning can set the tone for the entire day. There is not enough of that in the world unfortunately.
It took me a while to figure this out, but once I started the day with something that truly excited me, whether that was a workout, a creative project, or simply taking time to reflect, I felt more driven, productive, and positive. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to start the day with intention.
- End Your Day with Calm and Reflection
Just as it’s important to have that spark in the morning, it’s equally vital to end your day on a calm note, especially if you struggle with anxiety. For me, this meant creating a nightly ritual that helped me unwind and disconnect from the day’s stress.
A few simple practices can help you wind down effectively. Start by limiting screen time an hour before bed to avoid the blue light that can interfere with sleep. Instead, try listening to calming music, doing some light meditation, or reading a book. These activities promote relaxation, better sleep quality, and ultimately, better mental health. Also, YouTube has some incredible relaxing music.
- Prioritize Sleep: It’s Your Best Medicine
If there’s one thing that will drastically improve your mental well-being, it’s quality sleep. Sleep is like medicine for the mind—it’s essential for restoring energy, improving focus, and stabilizing your mood. Unfortunately, sleep has been a challenge for me throughout much of my life. But once I started practicing healthy sleep habits, I noticed a significant change in how I felt during the day.
By implementing a calming evening routine (see the tip above) and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, I began to enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep. This simple change made a huge difference in how I approached each day—more energized, less anxious, and better equipped to handle whatever came my way.
- Focus on the Big Picture
When you wake up, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by a long list of to-dos, especially if you’re juggling work, personal life, and other responsibilities. Instead of getting caught up too much in the small details, I prefer focusing on the “big picture” priorities for the day. What are the top 1-2 tasks that, if completed, would make you feel accomplished and reduce stress? Not to say that details are not important but a mentor once told me don’t major in the minor.
Submitting a work project, preparing for a meeting, or tackling a personal goal, getting the important tasks out of the way early can give you a sense of achievement and leave you feeling more in control. Small wins add up to big progress, and focusing on what truly matters will help you feel better overall.
- Trust the Process: It’s Okay Not to Be Perfect
A bonus tip that I learned the hard way: trust the process. There were many times when I felt frustrated with my progress, whether it was with my mental health or my personal goals. I wanted the results now, but I had to remind myself that growth takes time. No one’s journey is linear, and it’s okay to be where you are right now.
Patience with yourself, coupled with consistent effort, will eventually lead you to the place you want to be. Trust that each step no matter how small is a step forward.
Final Thoughts: Your Mental Health Journey
Improving mental well-being is a personal journey, and it’s different for everyone. By incorporating daily ritual practices like identifying goals, prioritizing sleep, and focusing on the big picture, you can create a foundation for a healthier mind.
Remember, it’s okay to take your time, trust the process, and know that you’re on the right path. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider seeking professional support, like counseling or therapy, which was a game-changer for me.
Start implementing these tips today, and take the first step toward a more balanced and peaceful mind.
