Want to 10x your mental health? — Do these 10 things

Things that I do to live happier

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

We all know how it feels to have our mental health struggling, feeling overwhelmed and stressed, it’s easy to fall into the trap of just trying to survive the day.

But what if I told you that you can improve it dramatically?

The title is inspired by the popular book “10x” which encourages setting big goals and taking massive action to achieve them. And this same philosophy can also be applied to improving your mental health.

“10xing” your mental health means taking bold, decisive action to improve your mental health and well-being, it’s about not settling for mediocre results, but striving for a life that makes you truly happy and fulfilled.

As someone who struggled with my own mental health, applying the concept of „10xing“ in that area as well was a game changer. It provided me with a sense of hope, the idea that I can take control of my mental well-being and that I can improve it if I set big goals and take massive action.

So here is a really short overview of things that helped me and that I think everyone can implement to some extent to improve their mental health and happiness:

To improve your mental health and “10x” it, the following are the first five things you can do:

1. Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals for your mental health: Take some time to think about what you want to achieve in terms of your mental health and well-being. Write down specific, measurable and achievable goals, that way you have something concrete to work towards. This will give you a sense of direction and purpose, and also help you track your progress.
2. Make self-care a priority: It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity and taking time to do things that make you happy. When you take care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga or journaling can help you to be more aware of your thoughts and emotions and help you to reduce stress and improve focus.
4. Build a support network: Surround yourself with people who support and care for you. This can be family, friends or a support group. It’s important to have people you can talk to when you’re struggling. Seek help from a therapist or counselor when needed.
5. Learn how to manage stress: Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress can have a negative impact on your mental health. Learn how to manage stress through techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or time management. These techniques can help you to stay calm and reduce stress levels.

These things can help to prevent depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They will also help you to improve your overall well-being and lead a happier and more fulfilling life.

Remember that self-care, mindfulness, and support networks are key elements to improving mental health, and it’s important to find what works best for you.

Here are the second five things you can do to improve your mental health and “10x” it:

1. Get outdoors and spend time in nature: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a positive effect on mood and reduce stress levels. Take a walk in a park or go for a hike, the fresh air and greenery can do wonders for your mental well-being.
2. Engage in activities you enjoy: It’s important to find activities that you enjoy and that make you happy. Whether it’s a hobby, a sport, or a social activity, make sure to take time to do the things you love.
3. Keep a gratitude journal: Writing down what you are grateful for can help to improve your mood and perspective. Try to write down a few things you are grateful for each day, it can be as simple as the sunshine or a kind gesture from a stranger.
4. Challenge negative thoughts: Recognize negative thoughts and reframe them in a positive way. Negative thoughts can be damaging to your mental health, by challenging them you can change the way you see things and improve your overall well-being.
5. Seek professional help when needed: Remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when needed. Whether it’s seeing a therapist or counselor, or joining a support group, professional help can be incredibly beneficial in improving your mental health.

By incorporating these five tips into your routine, you can help to improve cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. Remember, it’s important to be consistent, take small steps, and find the strategies that work best for you.

If you are interested in the „10x“ approach to life in general from the mentioned book, here is an (affiliate) link to amazon

To conclude this article it’s important to remember that improving your mental health is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. You don’t have to do everything at once, start with small actions that are easy to implement, and as you get comfortable with them, start adding more. The most important thing is to be consistent, every small step counts.

Take control of your mental health today and start “10xing” it. You deserve to lead a happy and fulfilled life.