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34 People Share What Big And Small Changes Drastically Improved Their Mental Health
Drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, exercising—these are just a few great habits to have in order to feel great. But, according to these redditors, it’s not only physical health they can improve, as the netizens’ mental health seemingly took a turn for the better because of them, too.
Redditors discussed such habits after a member of the ‘Ask Reddit’ community asked them about things that have significantly improved their mental well-being. They covered everything from learning to say no to reading, among many other things, so if you’re interested to see what might make you feel better, too, wait no longer and scroll down to find more of their answers on the list below.
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#1
I got a cat. He sits with me. I'll rant and say all kinds of stuff to him and he just sits there like go ahead and get that off your chest man. Life gets lonely especially if you don't have family, a partner, kids. It makes life a little easier.
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#2
Got a good psychiatrist who tested me for everything and found out I needed prescription strength vitamin d capsules that I take weekly and I need to give myself vitamin b shots biweekly. I cried so hard for days because I suddenly had energy and could think straight. I had been deficient for two decades because my gastro doc never tested me for deficiencies after multiple bowel resections due to crohns. But my psych caught it and changed my life.
#3
Putting a stop to my social media use and substituting reading for my time spent there with books. I have completed six books since the beginning of January. It makes me feel really good about myself.
#8
It [is bad] at how well it works. I used to hate my mom telling me that exercise would reduce my depression but she was absolutely right. The issue is that when you’re really depressed it’s the last thing you feel like doing. But nothing else has as much of a positive effect on my mental state as regular exercise.
#9
Taking magnesium glycinate at night before bed has a significant affect on my daily anxiety levels.
#14
Therapy. I planned my suicide and decided it was time to go. The first visit was like an elephant off my shoulders. I was sad it had taken me wanting to [end] my self to seek help. But I was going in the right direction. I feel like being Hispanic, I was programmed to keep it in. Not share my feelings. It’s not like that anymore. Although my father sees my going to a therapist as a weakness, it’s truly such a strength.
#15
Getting diagnosed with cancer. Seriously. The stressors of life become almost laughable when faced with oblivion. Edit: Thanks for the kind words, y'all! I start chemo for the first time today at noon, thus beginning the war of attrition over my body.
#16
Ditching my old friends who didn't take me seriously after a tragedy. I am no longer going to try be relatable and kind. If you treat me like s**t you're out of my life and are dead to me.
#17
Removed myself from all social media (except Reddit which I consider social media lite) and quit caring about other peoples opinions of me.
#18
Having a non toxic job. I got bullied for as long as I can remember at school home and work. My current job is the best paying and least stressful thing I've ever experienced. I've been able to destress for the first time, I don't worry about work on my days off, and I'm even becoming able to stand up for myself instead of locking up. No amount of self-care worked until I actually got to experience it.
#19
Learning to say no, let go and stop sweating the small stuff. Also knowing that if somebody has a problem with me, it's THEIR problem.
#21
Practicing gratitude deliberately. I began thinking of 3 distinct things I was thankful for, every night before falling asleep. I didn't even write them down- just took 5 seconds to reflect, 3 things (but no generic "friendsfamilyfood" repeated answers). Simply doing this every night for several months completely changed my mood. I suffer from mental illness so I really hate r/ thanksimcured-type stuff but in combination with real treatment, practicing gratitude is scientifically well-established as a mood-booster, and I was shocked by what a huge difference it made.
#23
Getting a dog. Great companionship, forced to go out walking every day plus she's fun to hang out with.
#24
Working from home and not commuting daily. Yoga/meditation. Daily walks around the neighborhood even if for 10 minutes. Realizing a better work/life balance. Not everything can get done that is requested by the deadline.
#27
Quit alcohol, quit destructive relationships (friends, family, partner), got help, took medication regularly, exercises everyday, journaled everyday. Life changed significantly!
#29
Cardio for at least 30 minutes, preferably in sunlight or at least outdoors, 5 or more times a week.
#30
Hybrid work. I didn't really realize how much commuting and constant office nonsense was messing with my mental health until the pandemic. Unfortunately, my employer went back to full-time RTO, and my mental health has been spiraling sense. Hopefully, I will find a new job soon.
#31
Quit drinking alcohol. Quit drinking coffee. Drinking more water. Eating full, proper meals and minimizing snacking. Going for long walks as often as possible. Going to bed earlier, and waking up earlier.
#34
Full transparency? Psychedelics. Brains are like a snowy hill. Every thought is like a sled ride down that hill, leaving tracks. As you think the same sort of thoughts, certain grooves become deeper and deeper, your brain developing thought habits that are very difficult to break. Taking psychedelics can blanket that hill with fresh snow. The result is a lot of introspection and new perspectives on your life. In this way, it can be a very effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. The most known psychedelics are nontoxic and non-addictive. Even more, they can be *anti-addictive,* helping addicts of other substances overcome their vice. Now, psychs are not a magic cure-all for everyone's mental health, and there are some risks in taking them if you have a family history of psychosis, or if you have certain heart problems. But after doing a lot of research, I wanted to give it a try, and by golly has it been a game changer.
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