Introduction
Let’s be honest—life feels overwhelming sometimes. Between work, family, endless notifications, and the pressure to “keep up,” it’s easy for our mental health to take a hit. I’ve been there—lying awake at night with racing thoughts, feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep.
What I’ve learned over the years is that improving mental health doesn’t always require huge changes. In fact, it’s often the small daily habits that make the biggest difference. Things like moving your body, writing down your thoughts, or just spending a few minutes outside can really shift your mood.
So, here are 10 simple habits you can add to your daily routine to feel calmer, happier, and more in control—no fancy therapy jargon, just real-life tips.
1. Start Your Day With Gratitude ЁЯМЕ
One of the best things I’ve done for my mental health is writing down three things I’m grateful for each morning. Sometimes it’s big stuff (“my health”), other times it’s silly things like “iced coffee” or “the fact that my cat didn’t wake me up at 5 am.”
Why it works: Gratitude shifts your brain’s focus from what’s missing to what’s already good. And when you start your day on a positive note, everything feels a little lighter.
ЁЯСЙ Try keeping a small notebook by your bed. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just jot down a few thoughts before you dive into emails or social media.
2. Move Your Body Every Day ЁЯПГ
You don’t have to run marathons or lift heavy weights to benefit from exercise. Honestly, even a 20-minute walk clears my head better than scrolling Instagram ever could.
Why it works: Movement releases endorphins, which are literally your brain’s “happy chemicals.” Plus, it reduces stress hormones like cortisol.
ЁЯСЙ Next time you’re stressed, just step outside and walk around the block—you’ll be surprised how much better you feel.
3. Practice Mindful Breathing ЁЯМм️
When my mind is racing, I use a simple breathing trick: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. Doing this for a few minutes feels like hitting the reset button.
Why it works: Slow breathing tells your nervous system, “Hey, it’s safe to relax now.”
If you’re new to this, meditation apps like Calm or Headspace guide you through short breathing sessions.
4. Limit Social Media Use ЁЯУ▒
I’ll be real—this one is tough. Social media is addictive. But I noticed that the more I scrolled, the worse I felt. Comparison, negativity, news overload—it all adds up.
Try setting a timer for your apps or having “phone-free hours” in the evening. You’ll be surprised how much calmer you feel when your brain isn’t bombarded 24/7.
5. Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet ЁЯеЧ
“Food is mood” sounds cheesy, but it’s true. On days I eat balanced meals with veggies, fish, nuts, and fruits, my energy and mood are noticeably better. On days I eat nothing but junk—well, let’s just say Netflix + a food coma doesn’t help my anxiety.
Try adding:
Take Garlics in your daily Foods
Eggs
Leafy greens (All varieties)
Apple or other berries
Banana
Nuts and seeds (Groundnuts, Chenna, Sprout, Badam, Pista & Cashewnuts)
Small swaps go a long way.
6. Get Quality Sleep ЁЯШ┤
Sleep is like free therapy. When I don’t sleep well, even tiny problems feel huge. When I sleep 7–8 hours, life feels manageable again.
Things that help me:
Avoid Watching Phone, TV 1 hour before bed (yes, it’s hard).
Bed room must be a dimmed glowing blue light.
Herbal tea or magnesium supplements.
A consistent bedtime routine.
If you can only improve one habit from this list, make it sleep. It’s a game-changer.
7. Stay Connected With People ЁЯдЭ
We weren’t meant to go through life alone. Even introverts (like me!) need meaningful connections. Sometimes, just texting a friend or calling a family member lifts my mood instantly.
If you’re feeling isolated, try joining a group—book clubs, online communities, local classes. Social connection is one of the strongest protectors against depression.
8. Practice Journaling ✍️
Journaling is like therapy on paper. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I grab a notebook and dump all my thoughts onto the page. Somehow, everything feels less chaotic afterward.
You don’t need to be a “writer.” Just write freely—your fears, your wins, your plans for tomorrow. It’s a simple way to untangle your mind.
9. Spend Time in Nature ЁЯМ│
A quick walk outside works wonders. Sunlight boosts serotonin, greenery calms the brain, and fresh air helps clear mental fog.
Even if you live in a city, just 10 minutes outside can reset your mood. Trust me, it’s worth it.
10. Learn to Say No ❌
This one is tough but powerful. For years, I said yes to everything—extra work, social events I didn’t want to attend, favours that drained me. And guess what? I was exhausted and resentful.
Learning to say no is self-care. Protect your energy. The people who truly value you will respect your boundaries.
Note:
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VS Narayanan
