5 Habits to Continue Even When Your Mental Health Improves

There are a lot of habits out there, and not all of them are healthy! The goal for many of us is to develop more healthy habits than toxic ones. Feeling like the best version of yourself mentally and physically is important. It can be tough to get there and if you do count yourself lucky. When we feel our best it’s amazing, however, it can feel exceptionally difficult to maintain. 

Yes, You Still Have To….. 

If you have achieved a goal, such as improving your mental health, odds are you did a lot of work to get there. It’s natural to want to celebrate your accomplishments and relax a bit. This is natural and healthy. 

Where we can get ourselves into real trouble is when we stop doing the things that helped us to get to where we wanted to be. Sure there are things we can scale back on, however, be careful that you don’t stop doing what helped you feel better because you don’t feel you need to anymore. 

Healthy Habits to Continue 

What are the things you need to keep doing to maintain mental wellness? That is a very loaded question and if you asked ten different people you’d likely get ten different answers. This is for good reason: we are all different. No two people are the same so no two people will need the EXACT same things to feel their best mentally. 

While everyone is different, there are some basic areas to keep up with when you want to keep feeling your best:

1. Exercise: Are you moving your body regularly? Regular exercise can do wonders for your mood and mental health. It has even been shown to reduce anxiety and depression! Don’t neglect this area. Find exercise that you enjoy otherwise it’s unlikely you’ll keep it up!
2. Healthy Eating: What you put into your body matters. There is a strong connection between what you eat and your mental health. Harvard Health Publishing of Harvard Medical School cites studies that have shown that healthier diets can decrease the risk of depression by 25-35%. If eating healthier has gotten you to where you wanted to be, don’t stop now!!!
3. Therapy: If seeing a therapist has helped you to feel better, you don’t have to stop. Research shows  that continuing on with your counselor for maintenance therapy can significantly lower the risk of relapse and continue improvements in functioning. You don’t have to stop therapy because you are feeling better, keep going!
4. Psychiatric Medications: Much like therapy, if your psychotropic medications helped you to get to where you are it may not be wise to change or stop taking them. Consult with your prescriber if you have questions about your medications or feel you may need to make changes. Don’t just stop. 
5. Hobbies: Doing things that we enjoy is so important, especially when it comes to our mental health. Keep doing the things you enjoy!  

This list is certainly not all inclusive, but it is intended to get your wheels turning! Take note of what has helped you to feel like the best version of yourself and if you aren’t there yet you can be! 

Carolina Counseling Services in Southern Pines, North Carolina contracts with caring, skilled licensed therapists and psychiatric professionals. Find the comprehensive treatment plan that is right for you, call now to get started!

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and many more.

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.