6 Tips To Boost Your Mental Health This Fall

1. Practice Positivity

With the days getting shorter, and the weather starting to cool you might notice some negativity starting to creep into your daily thoughts. Instead of letting negative thoughts become the focus of your day, try to put a positive spin them. If your negativity if self-focused, try to regularly check yourself and remember to be kind to your mind and body. The best way to practice this is to apply the “golden rule” to yourself: don’t say or think things to yourself that you wouldn’t say or think to another person.

2. Exercise Daily

Exercise will not only help your physical health, but it will also boost your mental health. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, these endorphins can help increase your overall mood and will create a feeling of general happiness and well-being. Just because you should exercise daily, doesn’t mean you necessarily need to stress yourself out with getting a long grueling workout in before the day is done. For days that you find yourself short on time, or if you’re simply not in the mood to exercise, try doing a quick 10 minute yoga session at home or go for a short walk around your neighborhood.

3. Sleep Well

Getting a full 8 hours of sleep is very important for your mental health. Harvard Health suggests that a good night’s sleep helps foster both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep deprivation sets the stage for negative thinking and emotional vulnerability. The best way to set yourself up for sleep success is to create a sleep-positive environment within your house. While cooler weather might leave you tempted to crank the thermostat, the optimal temperature to get a great night’s sleep is around 65. Also, try to limit screen time before bed. Put down your phone, turn it to sleep mode and turn off the television roughly 30 minutes before bedtime, to give your mind time to unwind before you hit the hay.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

A clean house truly is a happy house. A messy, unorganized house can increase anxiety, stress and even depression. By keeping your space clean and organized, you’ll not only feel that stress slowly melt away, but you’ll also feel a sense of control, positivity, and peace of mind.

5. Try Journaling

Spend 10-15 minutes writing about your day. Try to focus on gratitude. Write about what you were thankful for, any moments that sparked happiness, and appreciate the good things that happened. Studies show that people who practice gratitude daily typically have stronger immune systems, sleep better, have lower blood pressure, and experience higher levels of positive emotions.

6. Seek Outside Help

There is no shame in asking for help, especially from a professional. If you are struggling with mental health, regardless of the season, find a close family member or friend you trust or look for a professional in your area. Talking through your thoughts and emotions with another person, can help immensely.