How to get better mentally?
Research shows that there are 5 simple actions you can take to boost your mental health and well-being on a daily basis .
Putting them into practice regularly can help you feel more positive , more fulfilled, and enjoy life to the fullest .
🧩 Step 1: Connect with others
Why relationships are essential
Maintaining good relationships with others is fundamental to your emotional well-being . Social connections can:
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strengthen the sense of belonging and self-confidence ;
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to offer positive moments to share ;
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to provide mutual emotional support .
How to create stronger bonds
To do:
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Dedicate some time each day to your family — for example, set a time to have dinner together without distractions.
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Organize an outing with friends you haven't seen in a while.
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Turn off the television to chat or play with your children, friends or relatives.
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Take the time to have lunch with a colleague .
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Visit someone who is isolated or in difficulty .
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Get involved as a volunteer in a school, hospital or local charity (visit GOV.UK for more information).
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Use digital tools to keep in touch remotely — video calls like Skype or FaceTime can help maintain strong bonds.
To avoid:
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Don't rely solely on social media or messaging . Online exchanges are no substitute for real human interaction .
🏃 Step 2: Be physically active
The benefits of physical activity on mental health
Regular exercise not only strengthens your physical health , but also contributes to your mental well-being . Physical activity:
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improves self-confidence and self-worth ;
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helps to set goals and achieve them;
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causes positive chemical changes in the brain , promoting a better mood.
How to integrate movement into your life
To do:
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Try activities like running , brisk walking , or aerobic exercises to boost your energy.
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Work on your strength and flexibility with exercises designed to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.
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If you are a wheelchair user , discover specific tips to stay active safely.
To avoid:
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Don't think you have to spend hours at the gym . The important thing is to find an activity you enjoy and incorporate it into your routine.
🎓 Step 3: Learn new skills
Why learning is good for morale
Acquiring new skills is not only useful for career advancement: it also contributes to mental well-being .
Research shows that learning can:
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to strengthen self-confidence and self-esteem,
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to give a sense of purpose and motivation ,
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encourage connection with others through sharing or practicing common activities.
Ideas to stimulate your mind
To do:
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Learn to cook a new recipe and adopt a balanced diet .
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Take on a new responsibility at work , such as mentoring a junior colleague or improving your presentation skills.
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Embark on a DIY project : repair a bicycle, repaint a piece of furniture, or create something with your own hands.
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Sign up for a local or online course — learn a language, an instrument, or a practical skill like plumbing or sewing.
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Try new creative activities : writing a blog, painting, gardening, or practicing a new sport.
To avoid:
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Don't feel pressured to get a degree or pass exams . The most important thing is to enjoy learning at your own pace.
💝 Step 4: Give to others
The power of generosity
Acts of kindness and giving have a proven positive impact on mental health . Giving is also receiving: it provides a sense of satisfaction , personal worth , and strengthens human bonds .
Simple actions that change everything
You can practice kindness in many ways:
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Sincerely thank someone for help or a service rendered.
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Take the time to ask your loved ones or colleagues for news , and really listen to their response.
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Spend time with someone who needs companionship or support .
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Offer your help for a personal or professional project .
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Volunteer in your neighborhood: school, hospital, retirement home, association…
These small gestures foster a positive attitude and strengthen the sense of belonging to the community .
🧘 Step 5: Living in the present moment (mindfulness)
Understanding mindfulness
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment , to one's thoughts , emotions , body , and the environment around us.
This practice can help you to better understand yourself , to appreciate simple things more , and to better manage stressful situations .
How to practice on a daily basis
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Take a few minutes each day to observe your sensations without judgment.
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Learn to breathe consciously , focusing on your breath.
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Take a mental break when you eat, walk, or listen to someone, so that you can be fully present.
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Explore guided meditation exercises or mindfulness apps to support you.
Adopting this habit can positively transform the way you think and react to life's challenges.
📘 To go further
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Discover the full report from the New Economics Foundation on the five levers of well-being .
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Also check out the MIND website to learn more about the 5 paths to mental well-being .
