This year has been a difficult challenge to face for many. It is easy to feel as though too many things are going wrong and you can’t find ways to stay happy. Whether you're dealing with a mental health issue like depression or you just want to feel positivity and more resilient on a day-to-day basis, these tips will help you keep your mind healthy.

1. Get regular exercise

Exercise is a powerful natural antidepressant. When you work out, your brain releases chemicals called endorphins, which make you feel happier and more in control of your life. Any type and amount of exercise is beneficial, but for best results, try to get your heart rate up for half an hour a day, five days a week.

It’s hard to stay motivated and exercise daily, but it could help to join a fitness program that helps you feel confident and actually makes you want to get up and move. Do some research to see what others have to say about their experiences, such as reading lev-el thrive reviews. Joining a program like this not only helps with your self-confidence, but it also improves your overall mental health.

1. Maintain a healthy social network

Social support is very important for mental health, so don't isolate yourself. Make an effort to see friends or family members at least once a week. If you don't have many social connections, join a club or take a class to meet some new people.

1. Improve your self-talk

The way you talk to yourself has a powerful impact on your mood and well-being. If you tend to criticize yourself or call yourself names, your self-esteem and confidence will become damaged over time. Make a habit of talking to yourself the way you would to a friend - be honest, but kind and encouraging.

1. Look into therapy

Talking to a therapist can be an excellent way to identify and deal with negative thought patterns that are bringing you down. You don't have to be suffering from mental health problems to see a therapist, either. Whether you're trying to beat a mental illness or just change your outlook on life, finding mental health services near you to see what your available options are could be a great idea to improve how you feel.

1. Help other people

If you want to feel better about yourself, give your time and energy to others. Making a difference in the world can give you a major mood boost. Look for volunteer opportunities in your area, or offer to help a friend or family member with something.

1. Stay away from alcohol and drugs

Alcohol and drugs might make you feel better in the moment, but over the long haul, they can bring your mood down and make it harder to cope with things. Staying sober is the best choice for your mental health. If you're struggling with addiction, look for recovery programs in your area. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

1. Set attainable goals

Setting and achieving goals can make you happier and improve your motivation. The key is to choose goals that are realistic. It's better to set and achieve a small goal than it is to set unrealistic goals you'll never meet. You can build some momentum by starting with mini-goals that only take one day to achieve, such as studying for an hour or cooking a healthy meal.

1. Get creative

Creative hobbies can give you a mental health boost. You don't have to be artistically gifted to enjoy being creative, either - it's all about enjoying the process. Try expressing yourself by writing a story or poem, drawing, singing, or taking photographs.

1. Practice gratitude

If you want to feel happier, focus on what you're grateful for. A good way to make gratitude part of your everyday life is to keep a daily gratitude journal. Every morning or every evening, write down three to five things you're grateful for. Over time, this can make a huge difference in your mental health and your overall outlook.

The Takeaway

There's a lot you can do to improve your mental health. If you want to feel happier, more optimistic, and more resilient, start by adopting some of the habits above. If you make your mental health a priority, you'll be able to stay positive and productive all through 2020.

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Written By:

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, and growing young. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym. She loves hearing from readers so feel free to contact her through Facebook.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

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