In this day and age, when mental health is not highlighted as much as it should be, it is important to take care of yourself before helping someone in need. To feel good is one thing and to feel at peace is something quite different. Here are a few tips to follow each day of this month that might help you look at yourself and your life from a different perspective.
October 1st | Listen to music: Music is known to alter moods. So if you are feeling low, tune into your favorite playlist.
October 2nd | Go on long drives: Calm your mind as you take in the beautiful views and make memories. A drive with family, friends or even solo can relax you.
October 3rd | Take yourself on a date: Treat yourself to a date by doing something you enjoy – on your own! Empower yourself and enjoy the serenity and freedom of solo dates.
October 4th | Wear a favorite outfit: Paying attention to yourself includes loving and appreciating your own body. So put on your best outfit and feel good about yourself.
October 5th | Watch a movie: Movies are a great form of entertainment if you need a break from your busy routines. Give yourself a break and choose an interesting comedy, rom-com, or even horror movie!
October 6th | Take a long shower: A long and hot bath or cool shower is just as relaxing as a spa day. Relax and give your body the care it deserves.
October 7th | Enjoy nature: Nature is the best healer. Taking a walk in a park, doing some gardening, or just admiring the blue skies can do wonders for your mental state.
October 8th | Call an old friend: Reconnecting with an old friend can lead to some heart-warming conversations. It feels nice to appreciate the people in your life by reminding them you are there for them and knowing that they are there for you.
October 9th | Dance: Putting on some good music and dancing your heart out is a great way to let out pent up emotions. Dancing engages your mind, body, and soul and uplifts your mood.
October 10th | 5 things you love about you: It is important to practice self-love. Writing down things you love about yourself is evidence that you are worthy of love and this is helpful during those times you feel down. Also, developing the habit of journaling helps you organize your thoughts and feelings.
October 11th | Take walks: Walking helps you de-stress, clear your thoughts out and feel active and upbeat.
October 12th | Take a nap: Taking a nap helps you catch up on some much needed rest and makes your mind fresh for the rest of your day.
October 13th | Place a water bowl: Placing a water bowl out for birds and other animals in extreme weather conditions is a kind gesture that gives other living creatures their basic needs to stay alive.
October 14th | Stay hydrated: In our busy lives, we forget to drink enough water that we need in a day. This is a reminder to drink enough water throughout the day and stay physically healthy.
October 15th | Spend time with grandparents: For those who don’t live with extended family members, we may not find time to spend with grandparents. Let’s remember to take out time to connect with grandparents and increase the connection between the generations.
October 16th | Look at old photos: Sometimes, looking through old photos helps you revisit good memories. Go ahead and take out those old polaroids and photo albums and take a heartwarming walk down memory lane.
October 17th | Shop for loved ones: You need to appreciate the people around you and the people who you love, and you can shop for your loved ones and show them that you are here for them and they can talk to you whenever they want to and you love them.
October 18th | Meditate: Meditating is good for the mind and body and will help you relax and calm down instantly.
October 19th | Read a book: Reading can open your mind and help you step into the imaginative minds of other people. Doing so also helps people be more empathetic toward others.
October 20th | Digital detox: A digital detox will help you improve your physical and mental health, increase your attention span, develop your problem-solving skills, and even boost your creativity. It is also one of the most important ways to reduce stress and anxiety.
October 21st | Thank your teacher: Teachers play an important role in shaping the lives of young people. Thank a teacher who has helped you become who you are today.
October 22nd | Enjoy a favorite beverage: Having something refreshing often tends to lighten your mood and creates a sense of calmness, which helps to reduce anxiety.
October 23rd | Make someone laugh: Sharing a laugh strengthens our bond with people. Go ahead and have a light-hearted conversation with someone and lighten your mood through laughter.
October 24th | Count your blessings: Helping others is the best way to show gratitude for others having helped us throughout our lives.
October 25th | Re-use waste: Creating something from recyclable material is eco-friendly and helps you reduce your waste while keeping your environment clean.
October 26th | Go star-gazing: Looking at something far away can help you feel calm in the midst of a busy day and help you improve your mental peace and well-being.
October 27th | Feed stray animals: Helping neighborhood animals with a good meal helps them stay alive and well.
October 28th | Have family outings: Spend a day with family members (or friends) and build a strong system of support in the process.
October 29th | Cook a good meal: Cooking can be therapeutic and highly self-engaging. Trying something new can also help in establishing a sense of accomplishment through the smallest of milestones.
October 30th | Take fun selfies: Take some fun selfies to commemorate a happy moment or a significant achievement such as a birthday or a promotion.
October 31st | Make a to-do list: Being productive is one step toward feeling better about yourself and being an active part of your community.
Let us know which of these tips you have done to improve your mental and physical well-being! For more information about improving your mental health, contact us at heroes@youngistaanfoundation.org!
