10 Daily practices that can boost your mental health

Our daily activities have a big impact on our physical appearance and overall health. How we think, speak, perform our daily tasks, or present ourselves. If we are not intentional about forming healthy habits, we run the risk of falling into patterns that deprive us of our inner peace and happiness.

Common behaviours that can harm our mental health include procrastination, excessive social media use, negative self-talk, and comparing ourselves to others. By recognising and breaking these habits, we can create a more contented and joyful environment for ourselves that aligns with our goals and values.

Ways to improve your mental well being

1. Put Perspective Above CircumstanceLife will inevitably involve frustration and inconvenience, but how each person responds to these circumstances is different, their reaction determines the outcome.

Instead of reacting with anger, jealousy, or fear, adopt an attitude of gratitude, education, and action. Our choices and actions influence only a small percent of our life' s events.2. Let Go of Uncontrollable ThingsMake careful use of your energy. Focus on the things you can control and take proactive steps to resolve them. Learn to accept things and situations, which have not turned in your favour. Emotional and mental energy are released when resistance to the unchangeable is let go.

3. Accept Development and ChangeNo one stays the same forever. Change is constant and unavoidable. Accepting change requires openness, humility, and a willingness to learn new things. Personal growth and new beginnings are made possible by acknowledging that some things will never be the same. 4. Practice self-forgivenessEveryone makes mistakes, which are frequently caused by inexperience, ignorance, or uncontrollable circumstances.

Moving forward requires self-forgiveness. Recognising mistakes as important teaching moments transforms failures into opportunities. It facilitates growth and healing, encouraging a more positive relationship with oneself and other people. 5. Avoid default livingMany people lead passive lives, accepting habits and actions without question—functioning according to "default settings." This strategy restricts potential and contentment.

Meaningful progress is driven by pursuing objectives with honesty, humility, and passion regardless of outside validation. Over time, making a consistent effort to pursue personal goals, no matter how modest, adds up to substantial success.6. Stay open to learningAn open mind and humility are necessary for ongoing intellectual and personal development. Read, interact with people from different backgrounds, and pose meaningful questions to actively seek out new knowledge, viewpoints, and experiences.

Learning should involve more than just memorising facts; it should involve using what is learnt to effect constructive change. 7. Put Durable Contentment FirstThere are two types of contentment: temporary and permanent. Material comforts or diversions frequently provide momentary satisfaction, but these are short-lived. Stable progress towards worthwhile objectives in line with basic values is the foundation of long-lasting contentment.

It's critical to identify and get rid of distractions that sacrifice long-term fulfilment for momentary gratification.8. Compose Your Own NarrativeIt is simple to get caught up in the stories and accomplishments of others, but concentrating on one's own path is necessary for personal fulfilment. Put your own self-care and independent thought above obtaining permission or direction from others. Clarity and confidence are increased when one takes the lead in advocating for and supporting oneself. 9. Embrace necessity failuresFailure, which frequently happens several times before success, is a necessary component of development and success. Consider errors and slow progress as necessary learning opportunities rather than things to be afraid of. Resilience is strengthened and new opportunities are discovered when one perseveres through setbacks. 10. Take Action Without Waiting for PerfectionWaiting for the "perfect moment" or ideal circumstances frequently leads to stagnation and lost opportunities. Real progress comes from taking action in the face of uncertainty and imperfection; perfection is an illusion. Success is possible when one views life's flaws as opportunities rather than barriers.Also read | The link between coffee and healthy aging: what research says