In honor of World Mental Health Day, it’s critical to recognize the importance of its theme “It Is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”

Like many people, I’ve struggled with my emotional health through avoidance and the relentless pursuit of success. I sought temporary relief in achievements, chasing those dopamine hits that distracted me from my feelings, but this approach only masked the deeper issues. I also found myself denying my problems, which made them even harder to confront. Eventually, I discovered a variety of practices that helped me strengthen and maintain my mental health. Here are eight proven strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve your emotional well-being. (And yes, I use them all every day!)

1. Journaling
Happy, black woman and writer outdoor with music to relax, enjoy sunny day and make notes for studies. Young female, lady student with notebook and podcast, writing in diary or journal outside.

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Journaling is the practice of writing down our emotions, reflections, and feelings, and it offers significant benefits for our mental health. As an evidence-based method for processing emotions, journaling helps us recognize patterns in our thoughts and behaviors. One of its key benefits is stress reduction; by putting our worries on paper, we can release the mental clutter that often weighs us down. This act of expression not only clarifies our thoughts but also promotes emotional regulation, allowing us to respond to challenges more effectively.

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