25 Tips to Prioritize Mental Health in 2025
1. Get adequate sleep: sticking to a regular sleep schedule and ensuring you get good quality rest is important to both physical and mental wellness.
2. Stay active: participating in regular physical activity helps with stress! Physical activity promotes good mood, self-esteem and can have a major impact on brain and body health.
3. Adopt a brain healthy diet: embracing a balanced diet has a direct link to mental wellness. See our previous blog post Fueling your Mind: The Power of Nutrition for Mental Well-being for more about the importance for nourishing your body to support mental health.
4. Hydrate: Drinking enough water each day is crucial for mental and physical health; it can improve mood and cognitive function.
5. Disconnect: make a habit of disconnecting from electronics and social media for a few hours each day. Intentionally taking the time to unplug can have lasting benefits.
6. Establish a routine: setting up a daily schedule can help you organize, manage and prioritize tasks and goals. This practice can also help you feel more in control.
7. Embrace nature: nature can have a very calming effect on us. Try taking a walk, sitting in the fresh air and sunshine, or standing barefoot in the grass (a grounding technique). Being in nature can help us cope with stress through relaxation.
8. Practice mindfulness: mindfulness means being aware in the present moment and includes techniques like meditation, deep breathing or mindful walking. These methods can help to reduce anxiety and promote increased focus and awareness.
9. Connect: talk, interact, and socialize on the regular. All of us need connection! Fostering our relationships and bonds promotes positive mood, nurtures our mental health and offers support promoting resiliency.
10. Schedule in downtime: don’t feel guilty about taking some personal time to rest, relax and recharge. Life can get busy but it’s important to take the time to slow down.
11. Find purpose: think about what motivates you, and why. Finding purpose is an important piece to understanding, anchoring, and driving us toward future goals.
12. Set goals: thinking about goals means making actionable plans and orientating ourselves toward achieving them. The practice of goal setting can help us grow.
13. Help others: volunteering or helping others in some capacity can improve your sense of purpose, boost your mood and foster positive connections.
14. Practice Positive Self-talk: The way we talk to ourselves shapes our reality. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion that you treat others. Consider being aware of your inner voice and practice positive self-talk to see if you notice benefits.
15. Challenge Negative Self-talk: building on that last tip, recognizing our negative self-talk and working to reframe these thoughts into more realistic or positive thoughts can be an effective way to manage stress.
16. Practise Gratitude: focus on some of the positives in your life. Consider keeping a journal for things you’re thankful for or consider thinking about these things first thing when waking up to start your day on a positive note.
17. Engage in Activities that Spark Joy: make time for creative pursuits, hobbies or activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment.
18. Set Boundaries: setting healthy boundaries is not always easy but learning that it’s okay to say no is important. Boundaries help you protect your mental wellness by learning not to overextend yourself.
19. Try Journaling: writing down our thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams can be a positive way to release emotions and process experiences. You may not think of yourself as a writer, but giving this an activity might be worth a try!
20. Laughter as Medicine: laughter is stress-relieving and can help promote happiness and combat stress. Try spending time with someone who makes you laugh, watch a comedy or attend a stand-up comedy show.
21. Limit Alcohol and Drugs: while alcohol and drugs may seem like an escape for stress, these substances contribute to worsening mental health long-term.
22. Be Kind: being kind to others is important, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself! Being kind to yourself is linked to higher self-esteem and emotional intelligence. Compassion fosters resilience.
23. Try Visualization: close your eyes and visualize what positive outcomes or goals will look like for you. While visualizing, try to be as specific and detailed as possible. This practice can help combat stress.
24. Forgive Yourself: forgiving yourself for mistakes is part of emotional healing and growth, try letting go.
25. Know When to Seek Help: if you’re struggling to cope, it’s okay to seek professional support. Therapy can be incredibly helpful for improving mental health. Remember, support from Risework Therapy is just a click away.
