Guide to Managing Mental Health and Improving Mental Wellbeing

Guide to Managing Mental Health and Improving Mental Wellbeing


In the busyness and challenges of life, mental health can often feel overwhelming. These pointers are offered from my lived experience and hope to give practical steps to help you find balance, hope, and resilience.


1. Stop, Pause, Breathe, Reflect


Take a moment to pause and ground yourself. Reflect on what’s really happening around you:

• What are the facts? Separate emotions and assumptions from reality.

• What can you control? Acknowledge these things and work on them.

• What can’t you control? Acknowledge these things too, then release them from your focus.


2. Focus on What Grounds You


Life offers some guarantees—things that remain steady no matter the chaos. These might include:

• Your role as a parent.

• Your faith and values.

• The love and support of those closest to you.

Lean into these constants when life feels unstable.


3. Spend Time in Nature


Nature is a powerful healer.

• Go for a walk in the open air.

• Observe the beauty of creation—the changing seasons, the rhythm of renewal.

• Let the stillness and space clear your mind.


4. Appreciate the Little Things


Big moments are wonderful, but life is built on small joys:

• A kind word.

• A good cup of tea.

• The laughter of a loved one.

Practice gratitude by noticing and celebrating these small moments every day.


5. Avoid Comparison Traps

• Instagram isn’t real life. What you see online is curated and filtered. It is not real and it will always disappoint.

• The grass isn’t greener on the other side. Everyone faces struggles, even when it isn’t visible. If you think you’ll find perfection on the other side you will always be disappointed. Never make impulsive decisions, they often don’t end well. 

Focus on nurturing what you already have rather than chasing illusions of perfection. Maintain relationships, journey with those who know and love you best, never give up. 


6. Reframe Your Thoughts


Your thoughts shape your feelings and actions.

• Focus on one positive thing, no matter how small it may seem.

• Practice gratitude to shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.

• Let positive thoughts guide your emotions and decisions.


7. Let Go of Worrying About Others


You can’t control how others think, feel, or act. Release the burden of:

• Seeking validation from others.

• Obsessing over others’ opinions.

Instead, live authentically and focus on your values and those you love most. 


8. Treasure Relationships


The people who love and support you are invaluable.

• Spend time with them.

• Listen, laugh, and create meaningful memories.

• Tell them how much they mean to you, and remember they aren’t perfect and come with their lived experience too. 


9. Hold on to Hope


No matter how dark life feels, there is always hope.

• Faith in God: Trust that you are never alone.

• Hope for change: Believe that better days are ahead.

• Resilience: Remember that you’ve overcome challenges before and can do it again.


Final Thoughts: A Life of Faith and Hope


Put God first in everything. Faith and hope are anchors that keep you steady in the storms of life.

• Trust in His plan, even when it’s hard to see.

• Seek His guidance in every decision.

• Rest in the assurance of His unchanging love.


By focusing on what matters, letting go of what doesn’t, never thinking the grass is greener on the other side, and embracing hope, you can nurture your mental wellbeing and walk through life with purpose and peace.


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