Mental well-being is the most important thing for an individual, because if one is not well mentally, then s/he is not living to one’s greatest potential. According to the CDC, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices (CDC Paragraph 2). There are so many ways to improve one’s mental health, whether you struggle with a mental illness or just want overall improvement. 

One of the most beneficial things to do is to cut toxic people out of your life. People who bring you down, criticize you, and lower your worth should never be considered friends. Even if these people are family members, there is always a way to distance yourself to make sure you continue on the track of mental well-being. There is an article by “The Campus Crop” that talks about cutting toxic people out of one’s life and the benefits of doing so, which include making someone a happier, healthier individual. “The rule of thumb here: be selfish. Take care of yourself, worry about your problems first and take everything one obstacle at a time (Hurtado 4).  Surround yourself with people who make you feel confident, comfortable, and cared for; those are my three C’s. 

There are very simple and beneficial ways to practice self-care at home, in addition to seeking help through public forums. At-home spa days are beneficial for helping to feel positive about appearances. There are a lot of people whose mental health is negatively affected when they feel down about how they look. Exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, and finding a great skin routine are all ways for positive self image. If the mental well-being that is needed for a person to help themselves isn’t about exterior images, there are many things to do for calming oneself down. Journaling, yoga and meditation, reading, and painting are all techniques that help to clear minds and make a person feel calm and at peace. 

If you or a loved one is truly struggling, please seek professional help from a psychiatrist, medical professional, or, if necessary, a suicide hotline. These are great ways to talk about your feelings or get advice. No one should have to struggle alone, and focusing on oneself is a great way to make sure you are putting your mind to rest knowing you are in a good headspace.