Staying well isn’t just about eating right, getting enough exercise, and sleeping for eight hours a night. It’s also about being in the right frame of mind and being healthy both emotionally and mentally. After all, the state your mind is in can have an overall impact on your overall health as well. 

For many people, last year was filled with a sense of dread and worry that not only affected them physically but mentally also, leaving them feeling overwrought and drained as 2020 drew to a close. Now, it’s 2021, last year is behind you and it’s time to see about improving your mental health by following the tips below. 

See your doctor regularly

Start off 2021 right by checking into online health insurance, then scheduling regular checkups with your doctor, especially if you’re having problems with depression. It’s important to have regular checkups not only for your physical but your emotional health, especially if you’ve suffered from depression in the past. 

Adopt a pet

It’s no secret that having a furry friend can help you feel better about yourself and the world in general. From PTSD to severe depression and from mild depression to loneliness, it’s been proven that adopting a pet can make you feel a whole lot better. The one thing you need to remember is that a pet is a lot of work. 

Don’t adopt a pet unless you can commit to feeding, loving, and taking care of it. It’s not a toy that you can stick in the closet when you’re done playing. Pets require 24/7 attention, just as humans do, so be prepared to do just that.

Write it down

Journaling has been clearly linked with the improvement of mental health. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Simply writing about your day or writing down your feelings before you head to bed can help you feel better emotionally and mentally. 

Practise yoga

One of the many reasons that people get hooked after they practice yoga for the first time is the mental benefits of regular breathing practices. If you’ve never practised yoga before then now would be a good time, when the year is fresh and new, and you’re thinking about being your healthiest, both mentally and physically. 

Try a more mindful morning routine

For most Americans, the first thing they do in the mornings is roll out of bed and check their social media accounts. Try doing something a little different. Take your coffee out on the front porch and watch the sunrise, leaving your phone inside and the world behind you until you wake up fully. Starting the day off in a rush can be counterproductive. Ease into the day and you’ll find yourself more grounded and less overwhelmed. 

Start a new hobby

One of the best ways to relax is by doing a hobby you love. Taking up knitting, writing, gardening, or anything that will help you relax can do a lot to improve your mental health. 2021 is the perfect time to start a new hobby, so get out there and choose one that helps you relax and that you love. Remember, a hobby is something that you enjoy, so if you find that it leaves you stressed or feels like nothing but work, it has ceased being a hobby and maybe something you need to let go of. 

These are just a few tips for improving your mental health in 2021. From starting a new hobby to getting adequate health insurance so you can schedule regular checkups, your mental health is as important as the physical because they tie to one another in the end.

Elena Deeley did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.