Tips to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing

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If you’re on this page, you’re probably looking for some tips to improve or maintain your mental wellbeing. 

Mindyra has organized a list of tips that you can use to keep yourself as mentally healthy as possible by replacing bad habits with better habits. Our tips cover the following areas:

 

Control Your Electronics/Phone/Social Media Use

Lots of us turn to our gadgets to take a break from the real world. It's like our way of chilling out and finding some relief from stress. But here's the deal: sometimes, diving into social media or certain TV shows can actually amp up your stress levels instead of calming them down. Some of those platforms, like Instagram, TikTok, or certain shows, can even mess with how you see yourself and impact your sleep.

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We're not saying you should totally ditch your gadgets; that's not realistic in our digital world. Instead, check out these tips to keep electronics from taking over your life:

  • Give yourself a gadget-free hour before bedtime. It's all explained in the Sleep section.
  • Think about a standing desk if you're in front of a screen all day. It can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and maybe even ease back pain.
  • Remember, social media isn't real life. A lot of it's not even close to reality. Some stuff on there is totally fake. We often compare ourselves to these not-so-real people and end up feeling bad about it.
  • Plan some screen-free time into your day. During that time, screens are a no-go, and you need to do something else.
  • Swap out a bit of screen time for other stuff, like reading a book, going for a walk, or giving a friend or family member a call (not just a text).
  • Use social media with a purpose. What do you want to get out of it? Hair tips, fashion inspiration, workout routines, or maybe some new recipes?
  • Watch shows that make you feel good and bring out the laughter. Laughing is awesome for your body and mind.
  • When you're out and about, keep your phone in your pocket. Be in the moment, enjoy what you're doing right then and there. Be where your feet are!

Balance is the key. Electronics are cool, but don't let them take over your life. You've got this!

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Exercise

You don’t need to train like a world class athlete to get your body into better shape. In fact, there’s some research that suggests you don’t always need to break a sweat to have a “good workout.”

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Did you know the experts recommend at least about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or about 75 minutes of the intense stuff a week? Or you can mix it up with a combo of both. Regular exercise can help you keep your weight in check, lower your risk of heart issues and some types of cancer, and make your muscles and bones strong. Plus, it's a killer stress-buster, mood-lifter, and mind-clearer for many.

You don't have to go all out like a pro athlete to get fit. In fact, there's research showing you don't always need to break a sweat for a "good workout." If you're looking for ways to weave exercise into your daily life, check out these tips:

  • Find a way to move that you actually enjoy. It could be using a treadmill, going for a walk outside, strolling around a mall, or hitting the gym.
  • Make exercise a regular part of your day. Schedule it whenever it works for you. It doesn't have to be at the crack of dawn or super late at night. Midday works too if that suits your schedule.
  • Swap some of your screen time for exercise time. Take 30 minutes you'd normally spend in front of a screen and turn it into exercise time.
  • Start small, especially if you're just beginning. The goal is to do more than you were doing before. For some, that might mean taking a 5-minute walk; for others, it's 10 minutes. Starting small helps you hit your early goals and targets.

Remember, exercise can be fun and doesn't have to be a chore. It's a great way to take care of your body and keep your mind in good shape. So, get out there and have a blast while you're at it!

Sources of additional information:

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Healthy Eating

Eating healthy is a goal many of us aim for, but it can be a bit of a challenge. Our brains really dig the taste of junk food, and, you know what? Junk food is designed to make you crave more of it! The thing is, over time, munching on sugary and empty-calorie stuff can mess with your physical health, leading to weight issues, heart problems, high cholesterol, and more. What's even cooler to know is that your diet can play a big role in your brain's performance – affecting your memory, focus, and energy.

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When people want to switch to a healthier way of eating, they often think about going on a "diet." There are loads of diets out there, but the key is to make it a lasting change in the way you eat, not just a temporary thing.

To make healthy eating a part of your life, you have to find the good stuff you actually enjoy. If Brussels sprouts aren't your thing, try broccoli instead. Your healthy eating style might look totally different from the person next to you, and that's totally fine.

Here are some basic nutrition tips to get you going:

  • Get your cooking skills on. It's a great way to eat out less and be in control of what you munch on every day.
  • Get your protein fix from foods like fish, chicken, beans, tofu, nuts, seeds, and eggs.
  • Try to limit processed foods like canned veggies, bacon, cake, bread, and cheese.
  • Make fruits and veggies a part of your daily eats. There are plenty of tasty options out there.
  • Don't snack straight from the bag or box; put your snacks on a plate. It's a trick to help control how much junk food you eat.
  • Go for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and barley.
  • Stay hydrated with water. Aim for about 2 liters (that's like half a gallon) a day, but your specific water needs depend on things like your health and size.

Remember, eating healthy can be delicious and unique to you. So, have fun exploring what works for your taste buds and keeps you feeling awesome!

Sources of additional information on this subject include:

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Resilience

Resilience is like your superpower for bouncing back when life gets tough. It's all about having the skills to stay strong both physically and mentally, even when you're dealing with stress, tough times, or anything that takes a toll on your mind.

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Studies show that if you're resilient, it can kind of shield you from getting hit too hard by things like depression, anxiety, and other mental challenges.

Building resilience takes time and practice, but you've got what it takes. If you want to boost your resilience, you can make some small changes in your daily routine. Here are some tips:

  • Find your purpose. Do something each day that's personally meaningful, and give yourself a pat on the back for it.
  • Challenge yourself. Sometimes, situations can get you super anxious, like speaking in public. Slowly face these situations, and you'll see they become less scary with time. It's like practice makes perfect (we call it "exposure").
  • Build strong relationships. Your friends and loved ones can be your go-to support when you need it.
  • Know your strengths. Be proud of what you're good at and keep getting better.
  • Stay hopeful. Challenges pop up every day, but remember, you can't change the past – you can always look ahead to the future.
  • Learn new skills. It could be mental skills like active listening or physical skills like picking up a new hobby.
  • Try meditation. It helps you stay focused on the present and lets you take a break from those automatic negative thoughts.
  • Embrace self-acceptance (check out tips in the "Self-Acceptance" section).
  • Keep an eye out for negative thoughts. We tend to think negatively sometimes, and it can get in the way of dealing with tough stuff.
  • Recognize when stress is on the rise. Once you spot it, you can use your resilience skills to handle it.
  • Set goals. Make goals that you can measure, and when you hit them, give yourself a high-five.

Building resilience is like strengthening your superhero abilities for life's challenges. You've got this!

Sources of additional information on this subject include:

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Self-Acceptance

Self-acceptance is all about learning to embrace yourself just the way you are, with all your strengths and flaws. It might not come naturally to everyone, but practicing self-acceptance can bring tons of benefits.

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To get there, one of the keys is being kind to yourself, just like you would be to a friend. Like everything, it'll take some time and practice.

Here are some tips for working on self-acceptance:

  • Forgive yourself. Let go of past mistakes and regrets. Learn from them, but don't keep dwelling on them.
  • Forget about being perfect. Nobody's flawless, and that's okay. People who struggle with self-acceptance often try to pretend they're perfect, when, in reality, everyone makes mistakes.
  • Celebrate your strengths. Be proud of what you're good at and keep getting better in those areas.
  • Recognize your weaknesses. Know the areas where you can improve and work on them.
  • Stop comparing. We're always looking at other people's lives and measuring ours against them, but that makes it hard to appreciate our own journey.
  • Try meditation. It helps you stay in the moment and shake off those automatic negative thoughts.
  • Practice gratitude. Get into the habit of jotting down or thinking about the things in your life that you're thankful for.
  • Be kind to yourself. Show yourself the same kindness you'd offer to others.
  • Keep an eye on those negative thoughts. Negative thinking is something we all do, but it can mess with your self-acceptance.
  • Set goals. Make goals that you can measure and reach, and then give yourself a pat on the back when you nail them.
  • Get some perspective. Try to understand where others are coming from, especially when they give you feedback. It can help you see the bigger picture.

Self-acceptance is all about loving yourself just the way you are and knowing that you're pretty awesome! Keep practicing, and you'll get even better at it.

Sources of additional information on this subject include:

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Sleep

The quality of your sleep is a big deal, and it affects you more than you might realize. Sleep experts say teens like you should aim for 8 to 10 hours of really good sleep each night. The key here is "high-quality" sleep. See, you can spend 8 hours in bed, but if 2 of those hours are spent scrolling on your phone and 1 hour tossing and turning, it's like you only got 5 hours of real sleep.

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Poor sleep quality, often caused by not-so-great sleep habits, can lead to physical and mental issues. It's been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and more. Plus, it can mess with your focus, increase stress and anxiety, and mess with your memory.

But the good news is, you can totally manage your sleep, and you don't need to be a sleep expert to do it. Here are some tips to level up your sleep game:

  • No big meals before bedtime. Eating a lot and then lying down can give you indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux, and that's not sleep-friendly.
  • Don't chug a ton of fluids before bed. The more you drink before hitting the sack, the higher the chance you'll wake up for a midnight bathroom run.
  • Skip sedatives like alcohol or sleep supplements. They might help you fall asleep in the short term, but they're not long-term fixes for sleep issues.
  • Create bedtime rituals. Have a nightly routine that signals to your body that it's time to hit the hay. For example, go upstairs, do a quick 5-minute meditation, brush your teeth, then hop into bed.
  • Keep work and exercise out of your bedroom. Your brain should see your bed as a place for sleep, not for workouts or tasks.
  • Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Try to hit the hay and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Watch your caffeine intake. Caffeine is a stimulant, so it's perfect in the morning for a wake-up boost. But sipping it late in the day can mess with your sleep.
  • Limit screen time (phones, computers, tablets, TV, and the like) for at least an hour before bedtime and while you're in bed. The light from screens can trick your brain into thinking it's daytime, and that messes with your sleep schedule.
  • Cut down on naps. Think of sleep like a balloon. It starts the day empty and slowly fills up as you get more tired. But naps let the air out of the balloon, and when bedtime rolls around, you're not as sleepy as you should be.

So, if you want to be on your A-game, make sure to catch those Zzz's and get the high-quality sleep you need. You'll feel a lot better for it!

Sources of additional information on this subject include:

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Socialize with Friends and Family

 

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We humans are wired to be social creatures. Whether you're the introverted type, the extroverted type, or somewhere in between, hanging out with people (friends, family, and more) can help you feel less alone and way happier. With COVID shaking things up, our social habits have gone through some big changes, and some of those changes have stuck around even after the pandemic.

If you're looking to reconnect with folks, here are some teen-friendly tips:

  • Get outdoors. Your chances of meeting new people outside your house are way higher than meeting new folks inside your house.
  • Join a group or activity you're into. Think yoga, book clubs, trivia nights, choir, meditation, or a support group.
  • Texting is totally legit. If you're not into calling people, texting is a great way to stay connected.
  • Use tech. Connect through the web, FaceTime, or any other video chat (but don’t forget the notes above about using technology in a healthy way!).
  • Write a letter (or email) to someone. It's like texting, but with a more personal touch. Plus, it can be a fun way to relieve some stress and reach out to a friend, no matter how far away they are!

So, if you're feeling a bit out of touch, give these tips a try. Staying connected is important, and you've got loads of ways to do it!

Check out this video that explains what social withdrawal looks like and how it can affect you or a loved one:

 

 

 

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Stress and Mood Management

Life can get pretty hectic, especially when you're at that stage where you're figuring out your future, juggling school, and dealing with global issues. Stress is something most of us face almost every day, and it's something we can all relate to, no matter who you are.

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School, jobs, relationships, friends, family – they can all be sources of stress. And here's the thing, stress can mess with both your mind and your body. It can up your risk of health problems, give you headaches, and mess with your mood, leading to anxiety, depression, and burnout. So, stress can sometimes lead to even more stress.

When you're stressed, you might notice your mood and behaviors going all over the place. You might get super reactive, cry more, eat more, or snap at people. It's like stress takes over and makes you act in ways you didn't plan.

But here's the good news – while we can't always zap stress out of our lives, there are ways to manage it that actually work. Check out these ideas:

  • Keep an eye on your screen time. Too much can stress you out, so try to balance it.
  • Change things up in your day. Take a walk somewhere new, work in a different spot, watch a new show, or start a book.
  • Focus on getting better sleep. It's a game-changer (see below for more sleep tips).
  • Write in a journal. It's a great way to release stress.
  • Learn relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation.
  • Keep your space tidy, so it doesn't turn into a stress zone.
  • Try not to multitask too much; it can make you even more stressed.
  • Swap out bad habits, like smoking or too much junk food, for healthier stuff like exercising and eating right.
  • Put relaxing activities on your schedule, like chilling outside, reading, or hanging out with your pet.
  • Set achievable goals for school, work, and life in general. Realistic goals are a win.
  • Connect with friends and family, and talk about whatever makes you happy.

Remember, it's all about finding ways to keep stress in check and make life a bit smoother. You've got this!

Helpful Videos
There are helpful videos that can also assist. For example, watch these videos to teach yourself how to use positive self-talk and how to better manage stress from your home

Mindfulness Meditation to Reduce Stress

If you’re unfamiliar with mindfulness, it is a type of mental training that teaches you to focus on the present, slow down your thoughts, and let go of things you cannot control. Check out the videos below for an example mindfulness exercise. Feel free to participate!

 

 

 

 

 

Sources of additional information on this subject include:

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Weight Management

Let's talk about "weight management." What that means can vary from person to person. Some want to shed a few pounds, some aim to gain weight, and some are happy where they are. No matter your goal, it's not always a walk in the park.

When it comes to managing your weight, it boils down to keeping an eye on the calories you eat versus the calories you burn. But there's more to it, like your metabolism, which can be affected by the types of food you eat and how you exercise. Check out the healthy eating habits tips and healthy exercise habits. Combining info from both can help you get on the right path for your weight management journey.

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Here are some tips to help you along the way:

  • Don't do it alone. Get support from a doctor, friends, or family.
  • Get to know food and your relationship with it.
  • Be patient. Managing your weight takes time, so setting small goals can be a big deal.
  • Try mindful eating. It's a strategy that encourages you to eat slower and be more aware of what you're munching on. This can help you avoid overeating.
  • Celebrate those little wins on your journey. Reward yourself with healthy treats that you actually look forward to!
  • Plan ahead. Think about what you'll do in different situations, like dealing with minor setbacks or dining in places where you don't control the menu.
  • Find a strategy that you can stick with. Create achievable goals that you can keep up in the long run.

Remember, managing your weight is a journey, and you've got what it takes to reach your goals. Keep at it!

Sources of additional information on this subject include:

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Time Management

Let's chat about "time management." It's a skill that can be pretty different from one person to the next. Some folks want to better organize their time, while others aim to squeeze in more activities and make the most of their days. No matter your goal, mastering time management can be a bit of a challenge.

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When it comes to managing your time, it's all about making the most of every minute and prioritizing what's important to you. But there's more to it than that, like understanding your habits, finding what tools work best for you, and creating routines that help you stay on track.

Here are some tips to help you become a time management pro:

  • Set Specific Goals. Clearly define what you want to accomplish. Break your goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make them less overwhelming. This makes it easier to prioritize your time effectively.
  • Use a Planner or App. Invest in a cool planner or use a digital calendar app. Schedule your tasks, assignments, and activities. Make it fun by using stickers or emojis to mark important dates.
  • Create a Study Routine. Establish a consistent study routine, like studying for a set amount of time after school or before dinner. This routine will help you get into the habit of managing your time well.
  • Eliminate Distractions. Identify your biggest distractions and find ways to minimize them. Put your phone on silent, close social media tabs, and set specific times for checking messages and notifications.
  • Prioritize Tasks. Determine which tasks are most important and tackle those first. Completing high-priority tasks early gives you a sense of accomplishment and frees up time for other activities.
  • Use Time Blocks. Organize your day into time blocks for different activities. For example, allocate a block for homework, another for hobbies, and a break for relaxation. Stick to your schedule as closely as possible.
  • Practice the 2-Minute Rule. If you come across a task that can be completed in two minutes or less, do it right away. It prevents small tasks from piling up and stealing your time later.

Remember, effective time management is a skill that takes practice, so don't be too hard on yourself. Experiment with these strategies and adapt them to suit your unique preferences and needs. With time, you'll become a pro at managing your time!

 

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Stimulate Your Mind

Life can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle of the same old stuff. Routines have their place, like the sleep routines we talked about earlier, but every now and then, it's good to mix things up a bit. When you find that balance we've been chatting about throughout this page, you're setting yourself up to keep your mind on point and ready for whatever comes your way.

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There are pretty simple, and oftentimes even fun, things you can do to keep your mind stimulated. Check out the tips below and use it as a guide to give something a try!

  • Explore brain teasers. Crossword puzzles, online/paper quiz games.
  • Involve yourself in educated debates or conversations.
  • Read a book. If you’ve never tried reading for pleasure, give it a shot!
  • Watch an educational television show
  • Learn a New Skill or Hobby. Explore new interests or skills, like painting, playing a musical instrument, coding, cooking, or learning a new language.
  • Journaling or Creative Writing. Express your thoughts and feelings through journaling or creative writing.
  • Engage in Physical Exercise and Outdoor Activities. Physical activity, whether through sports, hiking, or even simple walks, can stimulate your mind!

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Social Services and Support

Where you live can seriously impact your well-being. When we talk about your "environment," we mean the world you're in every day. It's all about how easy it is to get food, how safe your neighborhood is, whether childcare is accessible, if you can afford transportation, and more. When these parts of your life become major sources of stress, it can really wear you down.

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Most of the time, people need a little help when it comes to their environment. The thing is, many folks don't even realize that the resources they need might be just around the corner. We want to make sure you know about all the helpful stuff available in your community. You've got more resources than you might think!

Are any of the following topics ones you find yourself or your family struggling with?

  • Food Access
  • Housing
  • Goods
  • Transportation
  • Health
  • Money
  • Care (like childcare)
  • Education
  • Work
  • Legal

If you would like to learn more about resources in your area related to any of the topics listed above, visit https://www.findhelp.org/ and enter your zip code. You might be amazed at how many programs and resources exist in your area!

 

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