What do you see when you look at the bigger picture of personal health and well-being? Maybe intentional movement, nutritious foods, and restful sleep come to mind. But what about mental health? A healthy lifestyle includes taking the time to recognize and prioritize mental well-being as a key component of your overall health.

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we have put together several simple yet effective tips to help you make mental wellness a part of your everyday wellness routine.

1. Get moving.

The body and brain are deeply connected. Take the time to get moving and engage your body in some physical activity to boost your mood. Exercise triggers the release of feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which give you a sense of happiness and positive well-being. And your activity doesn’t have to be a full-blown workout. Even short bursts of movement that get your blood pumping can relieve stress and brighten up your day.

2. Build your social connections.

Meaningful positive relationships are core to well-being. Even if your social circle is small and close-knit, these connections provide support every individual needs. Devoting time to strengthen your positive social networks and spending time with these individuals on a regular basis can create a sense of psychological safety, love, and belonging.

3. Be kind to yourself.

Focusing on positive self-talk and using affirmation statements is a helpful way to reframe your perspective and shift your attitudes, even if you have to fake it till you make it! Affirm your resources, strengths, and abilities to help build and increase your resilience and mental fortitude.

4. Practice and share gratitude.

Not only can practicing gratitude for yourself have profound impacts on your mental health, also sharing gratitude for others can give you that positive boost. Maybe you enjoy putting pen to paper and journaling to give thanks. Maybe you prefer the mental exercise of meditating on your blessings. Or maybe speaking it aloud is most meaningful for you. Whatever the method, gratitude practice is a nice way to take note of the good things, no matter how big or small, that impact your life.

5. Talk to someone you trust.

Feeling comfortable enough to talk about your mental health takes time and can be difficult at first. But when you are ready to talk about how you’re thinking and feeling, rely on someone you trust. Whether this is someone in your close community or a professional resource like a counselor or a support group, having someone as a listening ear with new or different perspectives can remind you that you’re not alone. Having someone who can empathize with the lows and celebrate with the highs adds a deeper level of connection and support.

6. Reflect and learn.

There is never going to be a “one-size fits all” approach when it comes to mental health. Like so many aspects of wellness, mental health requires personalization. That’s why it is important to try a variety of strategies, see what works best for you, and build a consistent routine. Learning from your past experiences – and discerning what works versus what doesn’t – can help you think and feel your best!

As a company that is pioneering an approach to personalized health and wellness, Thorne believes in empowering individuals to live a healthier life longer, and that good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being and deserves to be recognized and respected.

Whatever your health needs, Thorne can help. Visit the link to find a health professional near you.