7 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health in 2025
- Category: Primary Care, Behavioral Health
- Posted On:
As we embark on an auspicious new year, now is a great time to take stock not only of your physical health, but mental health as well. With the National Institute on Mental Health and input from Barbra Cochran, Valley View’s Director of Behavioral Health and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, here are seven ways to improve your mental health in 2025:
1. Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time, just move your body more!
2. Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol and how they affect your mood and wellbeing—for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
3. Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Many of our behavioral health providers are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) if you feel that you need support with improving your sleep.
4. Take a Break! Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation or breathing exercises.
5. Set goals and priorities. Decide what must be done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
6. Learn the basic skills of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The website Therapist Aid is a great resource for this. CBT teaches us to recognize the connections between thoughts emotions and behaviors and how to manage thoughts that aren’t helpful.
7. Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help. Check out The Secret Power of the 8-Minute Phone Call.
Try some online tools for additional inspiration. Barbra suggests exploring The 7-Day Happiness Challenge and The CBT Model: Psychoeducation | Worksheet | Therapist Aid for additional ideas and support.
To learn more about access to Valley View’s behavioral health services, reach out to your Valley View primary care provider at www.vvh.org/services/primary-care.
1. Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time, just move your body more!
2. Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol and how they affect your mood and wellbeing—for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
3. Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Many of our behavioral health providers are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) if you feel that you need support with improving your sleep.
4. Take a Break! Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation or breathing exercises.
5. Set goals and priorities. Decide what must be done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
6. Learn the basic skills of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The website Therapist Aid is a great resource for this. CBT teaches us to recognize the connections between thoughts emotions and behaviors and how to manage thoughts that aren’t helpful.
7. Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help. Check out The Secret Power of the 8-Minute Phone Call.
Try some online tools for additional inspiration. Barbra suggests exploring The 7-Day Happiness Challenge and The CBT Model: Psychoeducation | Worksheet | Therapist Aid for additional ideas and support.
To learn more about access to Valley View’s behavioral health services, reach out to your Valley View primary care provider at www.vvh.org/services/primary-care.