Four Ways to Boost Well-Being: Practical Everyday Tips

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to fostering dialogue about mental health and to encouraging a greater understanding of its importance in our lives. It's a period for reflection, education, and action towards breaking the stigma associated with mental health challenges. In light of this important month, we are sharing an excerpt of a conversation we had several years ago with psychotherapist and author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb. Back then, Lori joined Psych Hub co-founders Marjorie Morrison and Patrick Kennedy for an episode of our podcast “The Future of Mental Health” and shared insightful yet accessible ways to not only enhance our own well-being but also to positively impact those around us.

Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, yet it often takes a backseat in our busy lives. These small, mindful practices can lead to significant improvements in our mental health and daily happiness. From starting our day with gratitude to learning how to listen, each strategy is a step towards more compassionate self-awareness and improved interpersonal relationships. Here’s a recap of four timeless tips Lori shared with “The Future of Mental Health” listeners.

Begin Your Day with Gratitude

How do you start your day? If you're like most of us, the first thing you do is reach for your phone, only to be bombarded with demands and news that can instantly put you in a negative headspace. Instead, try a different approach: gratitude. Before diving into the digital world, take a moment to think of one thing you're grateful for. It could be as simple as the breakfast you’re about to enjoy, the anticipation of seeing a loved one, or the ability to take a walk. This simple act of gratitude sets a positive tone for the rest of your day, steering you away from starting on a negative note.

Take Breaks to Conquer Overwhelm

Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, but it doesn't have to define your day. Try taking short breaks to step back and breathe whenever you feel swamped. Look at something that brings you joy, and practice deep breathing (inhale for five seconds, exhale for five seconds) to reset your mood. These brief pauses are not monumental changes, but their consistent application can significantly alter your daily experience, making challenges more manageable.

Practice Self-Compassion

We often don't realize how harshly we speak to ourselves. In fact, we might be incredibly self-critical and not even realize it. Try writing down your thoughts as they enter your mind for a few days, to identify patterns in the way you “speak” to yourself that you can work to adjust. Are you being hard on yourself? Would you ever speak to a friend the way you talk to yourself? Fostering a kinder, more compassionate inner dialogue is crucial for our mental well-being.

Learn How to Listen

Finally, effective communication plays a vital role in our relationships and personal growth. For example, when someone comes to you with a problem, ask them how you can be most helpful in that moment. People seek different forms of support—sometimes they just want to vent, other times they may seek advice or simply need empathy. Understanding and adapting to these needs can make all the difference in being a supportive friend or partner.

These four strategies offer practical steps toward enhancing our well-being. Incorporating gratitude into our mornings, taking breaks when overwhelmed, practicing self-compassion, and learning to listen actively can all contribute to a happier, healthier life.

As we navigate Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s work on incorporating these simple yet powerful practices into our routines and explore how they can fit into our journey toward better mental health.

Want to hear the rest of the conversation? Check out the full episode of “The Future of Mental Health” here: