17 MENTAL-HEALTH TIPS THAT HAVE MASSIVELY HELPED THEM

Taking care of your mental health is a never-ending, non-linear journey.

So when Reddit user u/Medical_Method7877 asked, "What massively improved your mental health?" I was all ears because I'm always looking for ways to be kind to my body and mind. Here are some of the best answers:

1."Gardening! Ever since I started gardening (landscaping included because I landscaped my backyard for the garden lol) my mental health gradually increased and my outlook on life became more positive. Bonus for also growing my own food along the way."

—u/DeepLoveCutie

2."Accepting and embracing the side of life that sucks. Loneliness, despair, failure — they're coming and going just like good things."

—u/Darkosaurus94

3."Quitting Facebook. I didn't realize how much that app impacted me until deleting it and getting my time back. Now my anxiety levels have also decreased."

—u/cvs_dominates

4."Stepping down from my high horse and understanding that I am only human and do not always have to be the best in everything. There is no 'best.' That is what set me free."

—u/cancuws

5."It sucks at how well exercise works. I used to hate my mom telling me that exercise would reduce my depression but she was absolutely right. The issue is that when you’re really depressed, it’s the last thing you feel like doing. But nothing else has as much of a positive effect on my mental state as regular exercise."

—u/exoticconstable

6."Burning bridges. I cut off people who brought more hassle than joy to be with, and I've been very content with those I am left with. Life is too short to drag other people's baggage with you."

—u/No-Nail7754

7."Practicing gratitude deliberately. Before falling asleep, I began thinking of three distinct things I was thankful for every night. I didn't even write them down — just took five seconds to reflect on three things. Simply doing this every night for several months completely changed my mood. I suffer from mental illness, so I really hate r/thanksimcured-type stuff, but, in combination with real treatment, practicing gratitude is scientifically well-established as a mood-booster, and I was shocked by what a huge difference it made."

—u/MrPBsErica

8."People severely underestimate what a tremendous impact sleep has on your day, productivity, and mood. If only I'd realized this in my teens."

—u/KitchenAggressive596

9."Moving away from toxic family."

—u/Missgrumpy00

10."Regularly taking breaks helps my mental clarity."

—u/scooterhitman7

11."Having a routine. No matter what my schedule is for the day, whenever I’m in a routine of getting up, getting dressed, and taking a shower, I’m in a good place."

—u/KindDeparture4328

12."Learning to say no, let go, and stop sweating the small stuff. Also knowing that if somebody has a problem with me, it's THEIR problem."

—u/Prestigious_Target86

13."Hobbies have become a source of joy and relaxation for me."

—u/kmpatriciadeborahpo

14."Being kind to myself has made a significant impact."

—u/hfxBrownLindaoabzh

15."Volunteering has given me a renewed sense of purpose!"

—u/xPatriciaMaryfrco

16."Learning to manage time has better reduced my stress."

—u/twNancyLopezm

17.And finally, "For me it's therapy. It takes work, but having an objective professional in your corner makes a world of difference."

—u/its_hammer_time

What other tips do you have for people looking to help their mental health? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.