Listen here.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month -- and while that gives us a dedicated time to talk about it, taking care of your mental health is something worth building into your everyday life, not just acknowledging once a year.
For me, it's a non-negotiable. Do I nail it every single day? Honestly, no. But it's always part of my week in some form, and over time, that consistency has made a real difference.
Before I share what works for me, one quick note: I don't think there's one right way to support your mental health. Everything in moderation. As long as something is genuinely helping you feel better and not putting you or anyone else in harm's way, it's worth considering. Okay -- here's what's actually on my list.
Get Outside (Even For 10 Minutes)
This one sounds almost too simple, but it works. I have a dog, so I do need to get outside every morning -- and honestly, I'm grateful for it. Even on the days when getting out of bed feels like a whole event, that morning walk changes the trajectory of my entire day.
If you're not doing this already, try setting your alarm just 10 minutes earlier and stepping outside before your day fully starts -- especially if you work from home. Fresh air, sunlight on your face, no agenda. It's a small habit with a surprisingly big payoff!
Podcasts or Music -- Pick Your Mood
These two serve totally different purposes for me, and knowing which one to reach for has been a game changer.
When I'm in a slump and need inspiration -- ideas, motivation, a fresh perspective from someone in my industry -- podcasts are always a go-to. They pull me out of my own head and remind of why I love what I do.
But when I just need a mood lift? Music, always. I have a playlist for literally every emotional state, and there's something about the right song at the right moment that feels genuinely healing.
Neither is better than the other. Just depends on what you need that day.
Keep Learning (Whatever That Looks Like For You)
This is a big one for me on a weekly basis. I'm always trying to keep my mind sharp -- whether that's taking a course, listening to an educational podcast, or diving deeper into a skill I'm working on. Staying in a a growth mindset genuinely helps my mental state, not just my career.
That being said, this one is very personal. If continuous learning isn't your thing, that's completely fine. Swap it for whatever makes you feel like you're investing in yourself.
Journaling -- Even The Lazy Version
Full transparency: I'm not as consistent with journaling as I'd like to be. But I've found a version of it that actually works for me -- in my weekly planner, I jot down little notes about what happened each day. Nothing elaborate. Just enough to help me remember how a month went when I do my monthly reflection, and to get thoughts out of my head before they pile up.
If a full brain-dump session isn't realistic for you right now, try the lazy version. A sentence or two counts. Getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper is the point.
Move Your Body
I grew up dancing, so movement has always been tied to my mental health in a deep way. There's something about physically moving that shifts my mood in a way nothing else quite does.
Right now, I'm wrapping up my Pilates Instructor certification program and have been getting into class earlier in the morning. Is it hard to wake up that early in the morning? Yes. Does it set the tone for the rest of my day in the best way possible? Also yes.
The earlier start gives me what I can only describe as "extra time" in my day -- that feeling that you've already done something meaningful before most people are awake. It's not for everyone, but if you can carve out even a little movement in your morning, it's worth trying.
Build Your Own List
These are the things that work for me -- but your list might look completely different, and that's exactly how it should be. The goal is to identify your own easy dopamine boosts: things you can weave into your daily routine, and things that take a little more time but are worth building into your week.
And please -- try to make these boosts intentional. Scrolling social media might feel like a mental break, but unconscious doom scrolling is rarely actually restful. Choose things that fill you up on purpose.
I'd love to hear what makes your list. Drop it in the comments -- let's build one together!
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