5 Tips for Improving your Mental Health

Have you watched the news lately? Do you sign into any form of social media? Chances are if you have, you’ve noticed that there is so much negativity going on in the world. It can be O-V-E-R-W-H-E-L-M-I-N-G!!

There are rumors of possible war. Majority of the American population is ashamed to discuss our state of poli-tricks. Black folks are still fighting against the wall of privilege. The LGBTQIA community is constantly reminded of their struggle with fitting into society. The first black female Muslim Judge to serve in the State court of appeals was found dead…and WE STILL AIN’T GOT THE ANSWERS SWAY!!!!

In addition to all of this, like me, you might be in a place of your life where you are trying to float above the negativity, work towards obtaining your goals, be financially stable, and stay mentally, physically, and spiritually healthy…all while keeping your edges in tack.

So how do you stay positive?

Let’s just say, I got the keys and these are five tips that help me along my journey:

Key #1: YOU Must Take Ownership of Your Life

Whether you watch a Les Brown, Oprah, or Eric Thomas video, they all say the same thing. YOU have to know where you are going. YOU have to know you are deserving of your best life. YOU have to believe in yourself.

Everyone is trying to figure out his or her own journey. As hard as this reality check may be…friends or family may not have the time to be as available as you might want them to be. Tune out for a bit, channel within, and invest in a journal that you can write in.

Then…

Key #2: Write Your Goals Down

What is your vision for your life? What is it that you truly want? I have a post about creating a vision board here. I consistently make new vision boards with each transition in my life. A vision board is what allowed me to relocate to New York City last summer.

Key #3: KEEP MOVING

NO MATTER WHAT, YOU HAVE TO KEEP GOING!!! Life is happening now. The world is consistently changing. In the midst of change you have to take care of your body. Remember we only get one.

The worst decision you can make is to neglect your body. Exercising releases happy endorphins that create bliss within. Trust and believe when you pass the mirror and see that body looking right you WILL feel amazing!

Personally, Kanye’s “The Life of Pablo” album and 50 impulse sit-ups or a quick workout routine gives me a boost of energy. Have you seen Teyana Taylor’s body? I’ll take a G.O.O.D. Kanye song and impulsive dancing any day. If you have a gym membership…even better! Group fitness is a great way to surround yourself with both determined people and positive energy.

Key #4: Find A Circle of Positivity

Check your circle. What do you and your friends talk about? Is it positive? Are the conversations nourishing to your soul? Do you all motivate each other? Do you have a friend that can pray with you if you’re feeling down? These are all things that matter.

Also, always have a good book around. Lately, I’ve been reading memoirs written by women who share their adulthood experiences. Through their journey, I am empowered to embrace my own. I realize everyone experiences life differently. Everyone feels, everyone has hardships, and ultimately if you continue to try you will grow through your experience. Knowledge is power and power is knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Lastly…

Key #5: Smile

What makes you glow? What makes you happy? What makes you laugh? Do more of that.

For me, I get really happy when I write and I love corny comedy. Netflix continues to bring laughter into my life with original comedies like The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Chewing Gum. Also, HBO is bringing back Issa Rae’s Insecure this summer! It’s about to be lit! I am beyond excited for this!

All in all optimism goes a long way. Despite all that is going on in the world I value my daily experiences. Trust me, I have days that feel a lot harder than the one before. However, these tips are the keys that unlock my will to keep going.

And hey, practice makes perfect, right? Nothing great happens overnight. It may help to practice one of these tips each week until you’re a walking, laughing, dancing, smiling, free flowing beam of light. People will feel your radiant energy and ask about your glow! Just be sure to send them on over to HerTopic.com!