People Are Sharing Things They Do For Their Mental Health That Have Improved Their Lives Tenfold

Taking time to focus on yourself can make a huge difference in your quality of life, especially when life throws you a curveball. I recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to share things that improved their mental health for the better. Here's what they had to say:

1."Learning to be OK with doing things alone and enjoying solo trips or 'me' time."

2."I cut out people from my life who don't respect my boundaries or do not take the time to understand my chronic illness and how it limits my abilities."

—sofiab86

3."I worked for the same job for 14 years and was always scared to leave because it provided great financial stability. It was one of the biggest causes of my mental health struggles. Since I have left, my finances are nowhere near what they were, but you better believe that my mental health is 100% better. Having money isn't everything, and I would always pick being healthy over making good money."

4."Changing my schedule worked wonders for me. I now wake up early every day and try to go to bed at the same time every night."

—kittylane276

5."When I was at my worst, I got a dog. Interacting with her, training her, and the unconditional love I got from her, changed my life. Even after losing her, I feel glad I had those years. The unconditional love made a big difference to me. I feel like a stronger person than the one I was back then. It's not practical for everyone I know, but it was the one thing that had the biggest impact on me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her. Animals can have such a positive and profound effect."

6."Connecting with an old friend and making time for each other in this busy life. We meet for lunch at least once or twice a week. We did a hot beverage night and shared life updates or new places we've tried. Our lives are so busy and were ruined by COVID. When my friend reconnected with me during my depressed state, it lifted me and made me have a new energy for this stressful life."

—Annette from Minnesota

7."Have a dance party at least once a day. Put on music and dance in your bathroom, kitchen, or living room. I don't care how bad you feel, get up and dance it out!"

8."I walk at least 15 minutes every day. It helps clear my head and loosen my body."

—j470814269

9."I started journaling more and try to every other day. It has helped me be more clear-headed and less anxious about things."

10."I joined a choir just for the heck of it last fall. As it turns out, having a weekly routine activity, meeting new people I wouldn't have met otherwise (I am the youngest choir member by a long shot and love it), and having my voice heard, is doing me a lot of good!"

—sassyflower80

11."I get the seasonal blues, and this year, I started to make the last 30 seconds to two minutes of my showers cold. Afterward, it gives me a 'runner's high' feeling and boosts my energy. There's good research on this and it helps!"

12."Avoiding toxic family members, being kind to myself, enjoying having a lovely husband, a home, and a dog. To embrace gratitude is happiness."

—rrb2018

13."Getting my betta fish. The responsibility that comes with her is not overwhelming, and she has the biggest personality that you wouldn't expect from a fish."

14."Deleting my Facebook account. I noticed that every time I logged in it made me cranky. The ads, the fact that I couldn't control what was in my news feed and only saw things four to five days old, and all the political junk, I had to continue to hide daily. I have zero regrets and don't miss it at all."

—mishybp73

15."Prioritize sleep. Getting adequate, restful sleep is so important. It impacts your mental, emotional, and physical health in such a big way. I worked shift work for a long time and struggled to establish a good routine. Being chronically sleep-deprived added up. After a slew of health issues cropping up within a year, I buckled down and made sleep a priority. I saw an immediate difference and a huge improvement in my health."

16."I read terrible fanfiction and laugh. It helps me relax, and my friends have fun with me doing it. It's our Friday night relaxing ritual."

—Anonymous

17."Getting rid of stuff! Simplifying my physical space makes keeping our home clean much easier, and generally feels less cluttered. I can't recommend it enough."

18."The most difficult months for me are January to March. Last winter, I started going for a long walk or hike every weekend. After my walk or hike, I would treat myself to a nice coffee or go home and make some comfort food. This lifted my spirits enormously and has given me something to look forward to doing this winter."

—nbrah

19."I started volunteering at my local humane society to socialize with the cats. Every time I go there, I feel better because I get free kitty serotonin boosts. I help the cats by giving them pets and letting them know they're loved. Being around animals is the one thing that always makes me feel better when I'm struggling hard with my depression."

20."I wake up before my kids and husband, at least 30 minutes to an hour before everyone else. This way I can have my coffee, stretch, and do a quick self-care morning routine alone in peace. This time alone is the best way to start my day before anyone else wakes up and needs me. If I have time, I take the dog for a quick walk. It's so nice to take care of myself before the chaos of kids and life begins."

—rachway

21."Movement. I am fortunate to live in a very walkable area. On days I work from home, I make a cup of coffee and walk the neighborhood. On days I go into the office, I walk to the next bus stop. It feels great to get outside."

22."Bird watching! I recently placed a bird bath by the trees near my back patio. I stay in a relaxed state of mind as I enjoy the variety of birds enjoying my simple, daily contribution to nature. Now, I pay much more attention to the skies and I'm a lot happier."

—Anonymous from Colorado

23."Watching something I want to watch or listening to a song or artist I love. So many people judge you for your tastes so it's freeing to be home alone and blast my favorite corny song or watch a movie others don't like. Acknowledging and shamelessly enjoying that guilty pleasure, just for me."

24."I have anxiety and reoccurring adjustment disorder. Depression is triggered by big life changes like moving or a new job. My therapist had me read a book that advocates managing anxiety spikes by doing something that puts you into a solid 'flow' of thought to refocus your brain on the immediate situation. The ones I use are putting Legos together and crafts like embroidery, sewing, crochet, etc. You can pick anything physical and slightly repetitive to do. I like the crafts and Legos because they have a nice dopamine kick at the end when you have something you accomplished. I usually have two to three going so I have options and can pick whatever I feel like working on today. I still occasionally have anxiety spikes and panic attacks but I never sit here in existential dread for hours anymore."

—Anonymous

25.And finally, "I've started breaking my day into quarters. Instead of having bad days, I'll just have bad mornings, which leaves the evenings open to be better. If I know I've got a busy afternoon, I'll leave time in the morning to myself. It helps me not throw the day away if I'm feeling lazy or overly anxious."

What has improved your mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.