Every day we brush our teeth to keep from seeing a dentist regularly for extra maintenance, and that is often looked at as good hygiene. But what is mental hygiene, and how does one practice having good mental hygiene?
Your work can play a major role in your overall mental hygiene and overall health. It can add much meaning, structure, and add overall purpose to your life, while also providing a sense of identity, bolster your self-esteem, and offer a positive social outlet (Robinson & Smith, 2021). So, whether you take 15 or 60 minutes a day to maintain your mental health is something everyone can benefit from it! And yes, I promise, you do have 15 minutes!
If you are unsure of some great and easy activities to improve your daily mental health hygiene, check out my personal favorites down below!
My favorite activities to practice mental health hygiene:
- Pick and read a book that’s easy and fun or listen to a chapter or two from an audiobook
- Reading has been proven to impact adults and kids’ brains and mental health in big ways. Overall, reading can improve one’s brain health, reduce everyday stress, improve memory, and improve focus.
- Listen to your favorite podcast while taking a walk outside
- My favorite podcasts are Crime Junkie, The Morning Toast, and SHE
- Take 30 minutes every morning to start a journal to record your thoughts, experiences, and how you are going to attack your day!
- Journaling is a great way to set goals to improve overall mental health, it will also help you stay on top of your goal progress and make adjustments that are needed along the way.
- Try some adult coloring books as this can serve to help you focus, while improving your mindfulness and spark some new creativity!
- (So many great and affordable options on Amazon)
- Go to your favorite coffee shop! I’m a huge fan of trying new workspaces to allow yourself to not get in a rut working from home.
- My favorite Indy coffee shops are Java House and Indie Coffee
For me personally, I have always used working out as my form of maintaining my mental health hygiene. Being able to work out for 60 minutes a day allows me to de-stress and take a break from what’s going on in the outside world. I am a HUGE fan of Orange Theory Fitness (HIT Group workout), 3 Kings Gym (Cross Fit Gym), and running outside (you’ll probably find me at every local Indy 5k race). Working out pushes me every day to be the best version of myself, inside and out. I always leave these classes feeling happy and ready to take on my day!
Taking time to recharge is important because no one knows you better than yourself. So, listen to your mind and body when you need extra time away to feel refreshed. Because being my best self allows me to serve my clients and candidates in the best way possible.
For a deeper dive, read more here: Mental Health in the Workplace (cdc.gov)
275 Self-Care Ideas & Activities to Deal With Life (2022) (developgoodhabits.com)
How Journaling Can Improve our Mental Health | BetterSleep
How reading improves your mental health – Reading Partners | Reading Partners
