5 Things To Improve Mental Health
Today, I want to talk about something really close to my heart today: My mental health journey.
Mental Health. It’s a topic that’s finally getting the attention it deserves.
These days, it seems like everyone—from A-list celebrities to friends sharing their lives on social media—is opening up about anxiety, depression, burnout, and more.
And honestly?
I love that we’re moving away from the old days when people kept everything bottled up, pretending they were perfectly FINE while falling apart inside.
A while back, I wasn’t always in a great place myself.
Life felt HEAVY.
My thoughts were constantly racing, and I’d wake up with this pit in my stomach that I couldn’t explain.
Stress, worry, and exhaustion became my default setting.
One day, I decided I’d had enough of the constant mental fog and emotional ups and downs.
I didn’t want to just “GET BY” anymore—I wanted to feel good again.
I wanted peace of mind, more joy, and a sense of calm I could actually count on.
So I started making small, intentional changes.
Nothing earth-shattering, no miracle cures. Just simple, doable things that slowly but surely turned things around.
It’s been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but I’ve learned so much along the way.
I’m not a therapist or an expert, but these are the five things I did that truly helped me feel happier, calmer, and more at peace with myself.
Let’s dive in!
If you’re struggling, I hope these ideas inspire you to take small steps toward better mental health.
Remember, progress isn’t about perfection. It’s about doing what works for you.
1. Accepted Who I Am
This one was so hard for me.
For a long time, I was trapped in a dark place because of acne.
Yup, It was ACNE.
It might sound small for you, if you haven’t dealt with acne, But trust me, it felt like the end of the world.
My face was covered in red, angry bumps,( those were hormonal and cystic acne, SO PAINFUL) and I would stare into the mirror for hours, crying until my eyes were puffy.
I felt ugly, ashamed, and completely alone.
I pulled away from my family, made excuses to avoid friends, and spent so many nights crying into my pillow.
My confidence was shattered.
Whenever I walked outside, I imagined people staring at my skin, judging me.
It hurt so much.
But one day, after another tear-soaked night, I asked myself—am I really going to let this control my entire life?
That question was a wake-up call for me.
Although accepting my acne didn’t happen overnight.
It was a slow, painful process.
Firstly, I started by challenging the negative thoughts in my head.
I used to stand in front of a mirror, and literally hug myself and say some positive affirmation about acne.
I reminded myself that everyone has imperfections, and they don’t define our worth.
I began to appreciate the things I loved about myself—my kindness, my creativity, my sense of humor.
Bit by bit, I stopped seeing my skin as my enemy and started seeing it as just one part of me.
And when I finally let go of the need for perfection, I felt free.
If you’re struggling with acceptance, know this: You are so much more than your flaws.
Beauty isn’t about clear skin or a perfect figure.
It’s about who you are inside. The moment you embrace that truth, you’ll feel lighter.
Related:
18 Acne Quotes to Make You Feel Beautiful
2. Practiced and Embraced Gratitude
Gratitude is something that worked for me in a fantastic way.
Gratitude is a superpower. It shifts your perspective from what’s missing to what’s wonderful.
I used to focus so much on what I didn’t have, but when I started noticing the little blessings in my life, everything changed.
I remember that one morning, sitting with a cup of tea, watching the sun pour through my window.
It was a simple, quiet, and perfect day.
I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me for that peaceful moment.
From then on, I made a habit of actively looking for things to be grateful for.
It was my mom’s warm hugs, my partner’s silly jokes, my granny’s sweet smile, and the cozy blanket on a cold night.
I just felt COMPLETE.
I began keeping a Gratitude journal.
Every morning and night, I’d write down three things (sometimes more) I was thankful for.
They didn’t have to be big, they could be so simple (e.g.- A good warm breakfast, a pair of new shoes, spending good quality time with family).
The more I did this, the more I noticed how much beauty surrounded me every day.
I would like to say “Gratitude doesn’t erase problems, but it fills your heart with joy.”
I would highly recommend you Give it a try—write down one thing you’re grateful for right now.
3. Chose to Be Kind
KINDNESS is such a superpower.
Seriously, in today’s world—where harsh comments and judgment are all over social media
I surely knew- I wasn’t going to be part of the negativity.
Instead, I chose kindness.
And kindness didn’t just change how I acted—it changed how I felt.
kindness doesn’t necessarily mean doing big, dramatic stuff.
It’s in the small things.
It could be smiling at a stranger, holding the elevator door open, or complimenting someone’s cool shoes.
I remember the first time I paid for a stranger’s blanket. It was a little thing, but seeing their surprised, happy face totally made my day.
That tiny act of kindness filled me with so much joy—it was like a hug for my soul.
And don’t forget to be kind to yourself.
For the longest time, I was so hard on myself, that I used to beat myself up for every mistake.
But then I asked myself would I talk to a friend that way?
No way. Now, I try to be gentler.
I remind myself that I’m human, and I talk to myself with the same kindness I’d give someone I love.
Be nice to you—you deserve it.
A kind heart makes life better, and it starts with how you treat yourself.
4. Learned to Forgive
You might be surprised, but forgiveness plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health.
Forgiveness was a tough one for me, I have to say.
I carried grudges like heavy luggage, dragging them everywhere.
I felt justified in my anger, but you know what?
It only hurt me.
Holding onto resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.
Forgiveness didn’t come easy.
I had to remind myself that forgiving wasn’t about excusing hurtful behavior—it was about freeing my heart.
Firstly, I started small, letting go of minor annoyances.
Then I worked on the big stuff. The moment I finally forgave someone who had deeply hurt me, I felt a massive weight lift off my shoulders.
The peace that followed was indescribable.
If you’re holding onto pain, ask yourself: Is it worth carrying this any longer?
Forgiveness isn’t for them. It’s for you.
Let it go and set yourself free.
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5. Created a Purposeful Life
I love the line “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain
For a long time, I felt lost, drifting through life with no real direction.
I woke up, went through my day, and fell asleep feeling empty. I was surviving, not truly living.
The purpose is like GPS for your soul.
It gives you direction, even when things get messy.
For a while, I felt lost—just going through the motions, without any real direction. It was draining.
It was exhausting.
When you have a sense of meaning, it grounds you.
Finding purpose didn’t mean changing the world.
It meant doing things that lit up my soul.
I started volunteering at a local shelter, spending time with people who needed a little extra love.
I also explored CREATIVE PASSIONS, like writing and learning new skills. Each small step added depth and joy to my days.
Having a purpose gave me something to look forward to.
It kept me moving forward, even on the hard days.
Purpose gives your life color and meaning. Find what makes you feel alive and chase it.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
And Lastly, Prayer
Prayer is my anchor.
As a Muslim, I pray five times a day, and those moments of connection with Allah are everything.
It’s my time to pause, breathe, and pour my heart out—to express gratitude, seek guidance, and find peace.
Talking to God is deeply personal.
When life feels overwhelming, prayer centers me.
It’s a reminder that I’m never alone—there’s always a higher power listening, understanding, and guiding me through life’s ups and downs.
Whether I’m asking for strength, forgiveness, or simply giving thanks.
Those quiet, sacred moments fill me with calm and clarity.
Prayer isn’t just a routine for me; it’s my source of comfort, hope, and renewal.
It brings purpose to my soul, aligns my heart, and reminds me of the blessings I sometimes take for granted.
It’s the sweetest reminder that no matter how chaotic life gets, there’s always peace waiting in prayer.
Final Thoughts: 5 Things I Did That Helped Improve My Mental Health
There you have it—five things ( actually six)that helped me turn my mental health around.
Accepting myself, embracing gratitude, choosing kindness, forgiving, and living with purpose didn’t magically erase all my struggles.
But they gave me the tools to handle life with more grace and peace.
I still have tough days, but now I know how to keep moving forward.
If you’re on your own mental health journey, I hope some of these tips inspire you.
Remember, you are so much stronger than you think. You’re not alone. You are loved.
And your mental health matters.
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