“I Started Writing Compliments To Myself”: 15 Tricks That Improved People’s Mental Health

There is an ocean of advice for one's physical health. If you want to lose weight or grow muscles, there are thousands of books, experts and websites to check out. But mental health can be a bit more tricky.
Someone asked netizens “What massively improved your mental health?” and people shared their best suggestions. From internalizing some important ideas to impactful lifestyle changes, get comfortable as you read through, perhaps take some notes and be sure to share your own ideas in the comments section below.

15 PHOTOS

#1

When I stopped being in a hurry. Urgency is a trauma response and with current American culture focused on everything happening immediately, it's easy to lose yourself to being in a hurry.

#2

Leaving a toxic work environment.

#3

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

#4

I rescued a dog.

#5

Learning to love myself. A few years ago, I was in a very low spot with my self esteem, and I wanted to be better. My therapist and I talked a lot about treating myself like I would a friend. It sounds cheesy, but I started writing compliments to myself on post it notes in the morning and placing them on a mirror. It didn’t take too long before I started to believe them. It’s amazing how being nice to yourself and giving yourself grace can really improve your mental health.

#6

Creating. Especially making something with my hands

Also some fiction to follow. Tv show/books

Pets.

#7

Exercise. Every single day (and outdoors for me, wherever possible). I coupled it with giving up alcohol (a couple of years back) and cutting out sugary c**p. Massive improvement both physically and mentally. Bad diet and sedentary life styles are incredibly destructive. Now in my mid 50s, I look better than my mid 40s and there isn't any magic to how to do it (beyond "yes, it is OK to feel hungry").

#8

Hey OP. 48 year old married father of two in the UK here.

I’ll split it into two sections. The first is a well-worn path, but it works. The second is an embarrassing wade into the domain of ***“No S**T, Sherlock”***

**SECTION 1 - The Proven Methods**
- Admitting that I had a problem. This came when I was around 45. I admitted that feeling constantly empty, tearful and hopeless wasn’t sustainable
- Seeking professional help - which resulted in points below:
- Medication - took the sharpest part of the edge off the feelings I described above and allowed me to “get my head above water” emotionally
- Therapy - this has been a core part of recovery. I have learned my core values and how I live to them. That makes me feel 100% me. I have also been able to understand, identify and manage faulty or destructive thoughts processes (this one requires effort and perseverance)

**SECTION 2 - No S**T, Sherlock**
- I stopped drinking booze. I’d regularly drink until I had a hangover the next day, usually at weekends
- Since I’ve stopped drinking, it genuinely feels like I’m playing life on easy mode
- Shoutout to r/stopdrinking

So, yeah, that’s me. I’m a different man to who I was five years ago. I’d recommend the journey to anyone.

#9

De-emphasizing the importance of my every thought. Most human thoughts are nonsense. I question every single negative thought, and every single one so far has turned out to be b******t. No joke. It’s a game-changer.

Edit: I feel compelled to add that I came to this practice by reading Eckhart Tolle and Byron Katie,mostly. Both reference great spiritual leaders throughout human history (Jesus, Lao Tzu, The Buddha, Ramana Maharshi) who all point to this notion as a path to end suffering. There are many contemporary writers who also point to the same truths (some mentioned here).

Suffering is optional.

Edit 2: I am thrilled this comment made it to the top of this thread. For those who know, be generous in this advice. Humanity depends on it.

Edit 3: Lots of folks asking what books I would recommend. The short answer is that you cannot choose incorrectly. Also, it all depends of where you are and what grabs you. But, in my opinion The Power of Now by Tolle is a great intro to his work. A Mind at Home with Itself by Byron Katie is what Im reading now for the second time so I suppose I would recommend that. But, truly, read descriptions and pick what pulls!

#10

Keeping my surroundings clean and organized. I'm not saying you gotta be able to eat off the carpet (although that's god tier s**t) but keeping everything tidy, and in its place will help a whole lot.

#11

Stopped watching the news altogether.

#13

5 pillars: Sleep, Nutrition, sunlight, exercise, social connection. Spend each day trying to up the HP in those categories and then one day you’ll just notice substantial changes in how you feel.

#14

*“Your going to be fine; and even if you're not going to be fine, isn’t it better to just exist thinking that you’re going to be fine? And when it’s not fine, then you can just f****n handle it. There no sense to ruin right now, right?”* - Bill Burr

The "what ifs" were consuming me. I was losing my mind thinking about problems that haven't happened, and may never happen. This little quote from Bill Burr put a lot into perspective for me.

#15

Being grateful for what I already have.