10 simple things to do for your mental health every day

A good mental health is directly related to your quality of life. It also helps one cope with life's challenges and stressors. Being in a positive state of mind can make you feel happier and content, boosting your productivity and making you more in control of your emotions. World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on October 10 to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and ways to work on it.
Here are 10 things you can do to boost your mental health on a daily basis:
In the maddening rush of daily life, one forgets to pause and breath, and enjoy some me-time. The constant stress could activate brain's sympathetic network and switch on the 'fight-or-flight' response, which doesn't let the brain relax long after your work is over. Taking out some 'me time' and spending time in your own company can help one release stress.

Reading can be a great activity to get out of the 'stress mess' and focus on the present moment. No wonder, several studies have demonstrated that the activity can significantly reduce stress levels. A study at University of Sussex has found that reading silently for just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%. Read a newspaper, a book, a comic book to release stress and rejuvenate.
Feeling overwhelmed with stress? Writing or journaling can be an effective escape. The process of writing down can declutter your mind and help organize your thoughts. It's a brilliant way to tackle work stress, and relationship issues, or even letting your creative juices flow. Writing your thoughts can also make you feel less lonely.

Whenever stress takes over, taking a stroll to clear the mind is the best way to release it. Walking is known to release feel-good hormones and ease symptoms of chronic mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The process of walking decreases activity in brain regions involved in stress processing, as per several studies.
Doing your favourite creative activity can have a strong positive effect on your moods and happiness. As we grow up, we no longer have the time and inclination towards pursuing a hobby, which can have a detrimental effect on our mental health. A study published in Nature Medicine suggests that having a hobby is great for your health, mood, and more.

Mindfulness can have a profound effect on your brain chemistry and can help one connect to the parasympathetic network that allows one to rest and recover. It can reduce the effects of stress on the mind and promote relaxation. According to American Psychological Association, mindfulness meditation changes our brain and biology in positive ways, and improve mental and physical health.
Things seem so much easier to manage when you have someone to share your thoughts with. Connecting with a friend, talking to them or even listening to your loved ones can give a significant boost to your mental health. Having a good friend in your life can reduce anxiety and loneliness in general.

Pet parents enjoy a sense of security and routine and experience a significant boost in their mental well-being. Individuals who cared for a companion animal reported that it was a pleasant distraction from mental illness. American Heart Association’s survey shows that pets help people de-stress by snuggling (68%), making their owners laugh (67%) and helping them feel less lonely (61%).
Talking to a loved one like your parents or your children can have a positive impact on your mental health. Take out some time every day to have a conversation with your family members to feel better mentally.
Having a good night's sleep is crucial to your mental well-being as people who sleep for at least eight hours report a lower stress levels compared to those who are sleep-deficient. Not sleeping enough can increase your stress levels and make it difficult to manage them.