World Mental Health Day: 8 Ways To Improve Your Psyche

2. Gratitude Lists

Source: valentinrussanov / Getty

A gratitude list is a simple yet highly effective technique for improving mental health. Each day, we write down items we are thankful for. I incorporate this practice into my daily journaling; at the end of each session, I note five things I appreciate. Some days, finding the energy to do this is challenging, but this act helps rewire our brains to focus on the positives in our lives instead of dwelling on what’s bothering us. Research shows that cultivating gratitude not only enhances our mental well-being but also positively impacts our physical health. According to UCLA Health, people who practice gratitude can lower their blood pressure, demonstrating the powerful connection between gratitude and overall wellness. 

SEE ALSO

• 
  Celebrity Hairstylist Dee Michelle Talks Hair Health & Her Invisible K-Tip Method
• 
  Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
• 
  Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
• 
  Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
• 
  Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

3. EFT Tapping

If you have a slight interest in emotional well-being, you’ve likely seen promotional ads for tapping on social media. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping involves a series of exercises where you tap specific meridian points on your head and body in a sequence. This technique stimulates the same points used in Chinese acupuncture while repeating positive affirmations. This stimulation, known as acupressure, triggers the release of beneficial chemicals in our brains. When I first tried it, I felt embarrassed—thinking, “You look ridiculous!” Yet by the end of my first session, I noticed a significant shift in how I held stress in my body. While some in the psychology profession are skeptical, I find it a valuable daily practice for managing stress and relieving tension. The Loveland Foundation offers this helpful video featuring LaToya Maria, a therapeutic yoga teacher and energy worker, who guides you through a tapping session.

SEE ALSO

• 
  Celebrity Hairstylist Dee Michelle Talks Hair Health & Her Invisible K-Tip Method
• 
  Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
• 
  Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
• 
  Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
• 
  Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

4. Meditation

Meditation is the practice of observing and directing our thoughts. Also known as mindfulness, it has been practiced for thousands of years, but only in the last few decades has modern science validated its benefits for both mental and physical health. Mindfulness can help reduce rumination on negative thoughts and teaches us to stay grounded in the present moment. It doesn’t require much time—experts recommend anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes a day—and numerous apps are offering free guided meditations. Insight Timer is one popular option, which features free and subscriber-only meditations.

SEE ALSO

• 
  Celebrity Hairstylist Dee Michelle Talks Hair Health & Her Invisible K-Tip Method
• 
  Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
• 
  Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
• 
  Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
• 
  Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

5. Community 

A well-known phrase in the recovery community reminds us that “recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.” When facing mental illness, it’s common to withdraw instinctively due to feelings of shame and pain. Yet, it’s essential to remember that we can’t navigate our way back to wellness alone. By strengthening our connections with others—despite any fear or discomfort—we can greatly enhance our quality of life and positively impact our mental health. If your current community feels unsafe, consider seeking support groups designed to help you heal and build healthier connections. Organizations like BEAM (Black Emotional And Mental Health Collective) offer online peer support groups that create a safe environment for improving connections.

SEE ALSO

• 
  Celebrity Hairstylist Dee Michelle Talks Hair Health & Her Invisible K-Tip Method
• 
  Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
• 
  Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
• 
  Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
• 
  Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

6. Exercise

Source: Jacob Wackerhausen / Getty

Exercise improves mental health by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Physical activity reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, while also enhancing overall well-being. It boosts self-esteem and cognitive function, promotes better sleep, and fosters social interaction in group settings. Being active is more than an accomplishment. It provides us with a healthy outlet for stress, which improves our mental resilience.

SEE ALSO

• 
  Celebrity Hairstylist Dee Michelle Talks Hair Health & Her Invisible K-Tip Method
• 
  Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
• 
  Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
• 
  Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
• 
  Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

7. Service

Source: FG Trade / Getty

Service is essential for mental health because it provides a sense of purpose, fostering meaning that counteracts feelings of hopelessness. Engaging in service activities helps combat isolation by building social connections and support networks. It cultivates empathy, shifting focus from personal struggles to a broader perspective on life. Additionally, acts of service can boost self-esteem and self-worth, promote emotional regulation, and offer a constructive outlet for stress. Serving others not only benefits the community but also enhances personal mental health and recovery.

SEE ALSO

• 
  Celebrity Hairstylist Dee Michelle Talks Hair Health & Her Invisible K-Tip Method
• 
  Protected: The Sound Of Movement: Ledisi Reflects On The Power Of Protest Music And Self-Love In ‘The Crown’
• 
  Terrence Howard Bashed For Rejecting Marvin Gaye Biopic Over Gay Kiss Scene
• 
  Boop, There It Is! Tony Nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers Is Making History As Broadway’s First Black Betty Boop — And She’s Just Getting Started [Exclusive]
• 
  Gym Etiquette 101: 10 Rules Every Respectful Member Should Follow

8. Prayer

Source: Deagreez / Getty

Even if you don’t believe in a higher power, research shows that prayer can positively impact mental health. Studies indicate that individuals struggling with mental health who engage in prayer often experience better outcomes during treatment than those who do not. Personally, I’ve had an ambivalent relationship with prayer for much of my life, but since adopting a daily practice, I’ve noticed an improvement in my overall well-being. My experience isn’t rooted in religious belief; instead, it centers on connection and reflection. For those who are atheist or agnostic, leaving out the word “God” and focusing on the beauty of nature can serve as a meaningful substitute.

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Morning Rituals To Help You Feel Goodness Throughout Your Day

Statistics That Show Just How Out Of Whack American Work-Life Balance Is