15 Things That Will Improve Your Mental Health Immediately

Today I found myself sobbing as I watched my son “moon walk” through a department store saying, “moon, moon”. That video was taken two years ago, and I could say that I don’t know where the time has gone, but that would be a bold-faced lie. So much of that time was lost in a sea of stress that I let consume me in the years following the arrival of both of my children.

I’m not that woman anymore.

The list below, along with the overwhelming realization that I can trust myself, are the tiny pieces that have allowed me to put myself back together again. All of these things helped me, one day at a time, rebuild the life I was meant to lead and ultimately helped me with my mental health. Each one is a reminder that I love ME. I hope these will help you to do the same.

1. Do A Brain Dump
It seems so simple, but giving yourself time to just throw everything in your mind out onto paper provides insane relief. Suddenly, everything I was afraid of forgetting is out there in front of me. This makes it easier to conquer, delegate, and remove any tasks that aren’t priority right now.

2. Listen To Bird Sounds
Thank you Mel Robbins! I heard about this on her podcast one day, and I’ve been staying fairly consistent ever since. Whether I’m stepping outside first thing, or asking Google to play it for me, hearing the birds puts me at ease. It’s such a simple way to help myself prep for a stressful day ahead.

3. Meditate
When I used to think about meditating, it was incredibly strict. Sitting on the floor, legs crossed, for 10-15 minutes… it didn’t sound enjoyable at all. Then I gave myself permission to meditate in bed, laying down. Sometimes I do this in the middle of the day, sometimes at night before I fall asleep. Game changer.

4. Splash Cold Water On Your Face
In times of unbelievable stress, I splash cold water on my face. Whether I’m upset with someone, or things aren’t going my way, it doesn’t matter. It’s almost like the cold water is a slap in the face saying, “Snap out of it! There are more important things in life right now! It’s going to be okay.”

5. Sit Outside
This one should probably have “in silence” at the end, but let’s be real here. I’m now navigating my world in the, “Mom, watch this!” phase of life. When I’m sitting outside, it’s a little easier to relax, even in the midst of my children demanding things from me.

6. Romanticizing The Moment
It doesn’t feel that long ago that my mom told me to consider “romanticizing the moment.” I had no clue what she meant at the time. Upon further review, you basically start teaching your brain to narrate every moment in a positive way. Instead of thinking about how annoyed I am that it’s pouring rain outside and I wanted to be out with the kids, I tell myself how lucky I am to be home with the kids and not stuck in an office somewhere. – Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough job, and they are constantly fighting, but during those tiny moments in between, I stop to enjoy it. I take in every taste of my cup of coffee, notice the fireplace on at the end of the couch, and think about the moms that must work but would love to be at home with their kids. I am lucky.

7. Pretend You’re From The Future
There was an Instagram video I found a while back talking navigating those early years of parenthood. They said to imagine yourself at 90 years old, and somehow you were able to come back to this very moment in time but only for this one moment. You would be in heaven holding those tiny hands, enjoying their sweet little voices, and following them on their next adventure. It makes me cry just thinking about it. It really does happen way too fast.

8. Practicing Gratitude
Every morning, my son and I talk about what we are grateful for. It started out as a practice for him, but it’s very clearly changing me. It’s a great reminder that the little things in life matter. I’ll ask him, “What are you thankful for?” and he will tell me, “Mommy, Daddy and Maddie and Penny.” Then he will talk about Lighting McQueen or Baymax. I also feel like it starts the day off with intention. I’m giving him the undivided attention that he needs, and sometimes doesn’t get.

9. Make Your Bed
When I started making my bed every morning, I realized just how big getting even the smallest item off your checklist can be a huge exhale. It’s so small, and seemingly insignificant, but it gives me ease. And every time I walk into my bedroom throughout the day, it reminds me that I keep promises to myself. That’s huge.

10. Go For A Walk
This one is a tough one for me. It’s a lot getting the kids set and strapped into the stroller, and the dog on the leash. It’s supposed to be relaxing, but the hill to get to the relaxing part has always felt so steep for me. But once it’s done and we are out there, it’s well worth it. I need to continue to remind myself of that.

11. Clean One Small Space
Very similar to making your bed; doing something small can help you start the right tone for your day and it can provide momentum when it doesn’t feel like you have any. My thing is the dishes or cleaning the kitchen counters.

12. Rock Out (& Belt It Out) To Your Favorite Music
This is highly underrated! When I’m having a tough time, this is one of the first things that helps me put a pep in my step. This is mainly a resource I use when the day feels like it’s getting long. I simply turn on the music, and the kids and I do a dance party in the kitchen as I make dinner.

13. Drink A Glass Of Water
Hydration means more than we know. It’s not just a tool for weight loss, it’s also something our body needs desperately. You’d be surprised just how much your body thanks you by simply drinking one glass.

14. Stretch
Dedicating time to your body is so important, even in the simplest ways. Maybe you can’t get out for that walk, but maybe you can get in a good stretch.

15. Start Documenting Your Life
When you start documenting your life, you start to realize just how much your story matters. Not only that, but you begin to notice things in yourself: patterns you can change, qualities that you can cherish, and wins that you can highlight. You deserve that, by the way.

See you,
Amy