Improving your mental health is a personal journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for another—and that’s perfectly okay. With time, experimentation, and self-compassion, you can develop sustainable routines that support your emotional well-being.
Step 1: Understand How You Learn Best
An often-overlooked part of building better mental health is understanding your learning style. Why does it matter? Because when your self-care activities align with how you naturally absorb and process information, you’re more likely to stay consistent and engaged.
Common Learning Styles and Aligned Mental Health Activities:
🎨 Visual Learners
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Watch mental health videos or documentaries
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Visit art galleries or create visual journals
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Spend time observing nature or using color-coded planners
🎧 Auditory Learners
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Listen to guided meditations or podcasts
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Engage in conversations with supportive people
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Use affirmations or calming music to reset
🧘 Kinesthetic Learners
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Practice yoga, go walking, or do light exercise
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Try hands-on hobbies like gardening, crafting, or cooking
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Explore mind-body therapies like dance or somatic movement
✍️ Reading/Writing Learners
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Journal your emotions, goals, or gratitude
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Read books, blogs, or mental health articles
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Write reflective letters or personal essays for healing
By honoring how you learn best, you’re not just improving mental health—you’re making it easier to build habits that stick.
Step 2: Build Healthy Habits That Support Mental Wellness
While personalized approaches are key, several core habits are universally beneficial to mental health:
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Eat nutritious meals to stabilize mood and energy
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Get quality sleep to support brain function and emotional regulation
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Move your body regularly, even if it’s a short walk
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Surround yourself with uplifting people who make you feel safe
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Limit toxic input, whether from social media or unhealthy relationships
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Create predictable routines for structure and grounding
Step 3: Learn to Cope With Stress Effectively
Stress is inevitable—but unmanaged stress can be harmful. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.
Healthy Stress-Relief Techniques:
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Exercise – Releases tension and boosts mood-enhancing endorphins
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Journaling – Helps process feelings and identify recurring patterns
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Spending time in nature – Promotes calm and mental clarity
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Breathwork and mindfulness – Regulates your nervous system
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Talking to a therapist – Validates your experience and provides guidance
The goal isn’t to eliminate stress, but to build resilience in how you respond to it.
Step 4: Nurture Positive Relationships
Healthy relationships are a cornerstone of good mental health. The people you surround yourself with can deeply influence how you feel about yourself and the world.
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Seek out those who make you feel seen, safe, and valued
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Set boundaries with people who drain or harm you emotionally
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Don’t be afraid to walk away from toxic relationships
You deserve to be in relationships that support your healing—not hinder it.
My Personal Journey Toward Better Mental Health
Improving my mental health wasn’t about quick fixes—it was about small, repeated choices that added up over time. Here are a few things that helped me:
1. Prioritizing Myself
Putting myself first wasn’t selfish. It meant finally recognizing that my needs matter. I started protecting my time, saying no when I needed to, and giving myself permission to rest. The result? Less burnout, more balance.
2. Defining Self-Care on My Own Terms
Forget bubble baths and spa days. My self-care meant:
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Tackling laundry I’d been avoiding
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Cooking a healthy dinner instead of ordering out
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Going for a jog to clear my mind
Once I stopped comparing my version of self-care to others’, I began to thrive.
3. Listening to Others’ Stories
Hearing how others navigated their mental health struggles helped me feel less alone. I learned that healing isn’t linear—and that setbacks don’t mean failure. They just mean I’m human.
Step 5: Reflect, Adjust, and Keep Going
Mental health isn’t a final destination—it’s a continuous practice. Take a moment to reflect:
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What am I doing to care for my mental health right now?
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Is it working? If not, what could I try differently?
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Am I honoring my learning style and personality in my approach?
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Am I being kind and patient with myself during tough times?
No matter where you are in your journey, progress is possible. When you find what works for you, life becomes more grounded, connected, and fulfilling.
You Deserve to Feel Well
There’s no perfect way to improve your mental health. But there are your ways—the ones that feel natural, supportive, and meaningful. Whether you’re just beginning or adjusting your routine, remember: every small step counts.
