By Stacey Schulte, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner – Currently Accepting New Clients Both in-person and via telehealth

Taking charge of your mental health is a vital step towards leading a fulfilling life. It requires a combination of self-awareness, proactive strategies and seeking professional support when appropriate.

Here are some key actions you can take to improve and maintain your mental health.

• Practice self-awareness. Regularly check-in with how you’re feeling emotionally, mentally and physically.
• Pay attention to triggers, and know your limits. You don’t need to avoid but minimize the time and attention given to situations, people, and places that negatively impact you.
• Challenge negative thoughts. Practice recognizing and challenging negative thoughts, and replace them with more positive ones.
• Be patient. Seek progress not perfection. Change takes time and practice.
• Practice self-compassion treat yourself with kindness! You deserve it! Be your own best friend.
• Practice forgiveness. You don’t have to forget, but forgiving frees you from heavy negative feelings and replaces them with peace.
• Creating routines, they can provide structure, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of control.
• Build a strong support network. Surround yourself with those who make you feel supported, understood, and cared for.
• Seek professional support when needed by reaching out to a professional when you’re overwhelmed. They offer valuable tools for coping with mental health concerns.
• Talk about your feelings. Being open about your mental health with trusted friends, family or a mental health provider reduces isolation and helps you feel understood.
• It’s okay to say no. Overcommitting can lead to burnout.
• Be creative, explore and make time for your passion and develop hobbies.
• Do a Digital Detox. Disconnect from devices and engage in nourishing offline activities.
• Find your purpose through fun. Daily, do something that aligns with enjoyment and purpose.
• Practice Self Care. Don’t people please yourself into exhaustion. Take time to do things for yourself and refill your cup.
• Get outside and out of the house. A new view of your world may help to combat negative thoughts and recharge your soul.