The Canadian Mental Health Association provides suggestions to improve mental health. Also, check out their website for more information. (Direct quotes italicized below.)
Mental well-being is bigger than the presence or absence of a mental illness.
1. Build a Healthy Self-Esteem
Activity: Build Confidence
Take a look at your good points. What do you do best? Where are your skills and interest areas? How would a friend best describe you?
What do you have difficulty doing? What makes you frustrated? We build confidence by developing our weaker areas and regularly reminding ourselves of the things we're comfortable with and proud of.
2. Build Positive Support Networks
Activity: Make Time
Make time just to be with important people in your life. Make time for simply having fun and enjoying each other's company, and time for serious conversations.
3. Get Involved
Activity: Volunteer
Be a volunteer. Read to children at your local library, visit people in a hospital or care facility, serve on a committee or board of your favourite charity, clean up your favourite park or beach, or simply help a neighbour.
4. Build Resiliency
Activity: Build your own Toolkit
Set aside time to think about the resiliency tools you already have. This might include skills like structured problem-solving or people who can help you during difficult situations.
5. Recognize Your Emotions
Activity: Identify and deal with your moods
Find out what makes you happy, sad, joyful or angry. What calms you down? Learn ways to deal with your moods. Share joyful news with a friend and find support when you feel sad. Physical exercise can help you deal with your anger and anxiety.
6. Spiritual Well-Being
Activity: Connect with yourself
Set aside quality time to be totally alone. Try a breathing exercise: count your breaths from one to four and then start once again.
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