Navigating the complexities of mental health can be daunting, but practical advice grounded in expertise makes the journey clearer. This article provides an essential guide, enriched with insights from leading mental health professionals, to establishing and maintaining daily practices that prioritize well-being. Discover the transformative power of consistent self-care and expert-backed strategies for a balanced, healthier life.
- Daily Commitment to Mental Health
- Stay Connected for Mental Health
- Balance Work and Personal Life
- Recognize Mental Health as Daily Practice
- Self Love and Self Care Responsibility
- Daily Body Check-In for Mental Health
- Prioritize Mental Health for Quality Life
- Normalize Mental Health Check-Ins
- Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Relief
- Consistent Self-Care Practices
- Surfing for Mental Health
- Emotional Check-In Routine
Daily Commitment to Mental Health
I prioritize my mental health by making it a daily commitment, just like I would with physical health or professional goals. I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that mental well-being requires consistent care, not just attention during tough times. For me, journaling has been a game-changer—it helps me process my thoughts and recognize patterns that might be affecting my mood or energy. I’ve found that starting my mornings with 10 minutes of reflection grounds me for the day.
I also believe in seeking support without hesitation. I’ve worked with a therapist in the past, and that experience taught me that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. One resource I recommend is the app Calm. I’ve used it for guided meditations and sleep stories, which are incredibly helpful on days when I feel overwhelmed.
Nick Bach
Owner and Psychologist, Grace Psychological Services, LLC
Stay Connected for Mental Health
I prioritize my mental health by staying connected with my friends and family, reaching out to them regularly for support and meaningful conversations. Doing things I enjoy, like working out and cooking, helps me stay grounded and brings joy to my daily life. I also commit to ongoing, consistent therapy to prioritize my well-being, ensuring I have a space to process my emotions and grow. One resource I recommend for maintaining good mental well-being is identifying activities that bring you peace and fulfillment and scheduling them into your routine—whether that’s exercise, creative hobbies, or quality time with loved ones.
Liana Ross
Clinical Director & Psychotherapist, Gooding Wellness LCSW PC
Balance Work and Personal Life
Prioritizing mental health is integral to overall well-being and peak cognitive performance. Personally, I ensure balance by maintaining boundaries between work and personal life, practicing mindfulness, and embracing nutrient-dense foods that support brain health. Just as I encourage others to focus on fueling their bodies, I prioritize my mental health by eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins—key nutrients for brain function and mood regulation.
Seeking support is equally important. I actively connect with my network of colleagues, friends, and family to share challenges and solutions. I also don’t hesitate to consult professionals, such as therapists or mental performance consultants, when needed. Normalizing seeking help fosters resilience and growth.
One resource I often recommend is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). MBSR combines meditation, body awareness, and yoga to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. For many, it cultivates a sense of control and focus, especially in high-stress situations. Paired with balanced nutrition, this practice forms a strong foundation for mental wellness. Small, consistent efforts—like a daily mindfulness practice or even preparing a brain-boosting meal—can create powerful, positive ripple effects for mental and emotional health.
Jenna Stedman
Cognitive Performance Dietitian, Master Nutrition Lab LLC
Recognize Mental Health as Daily Practice
As a mental health professional, I prioritize mental health by recognizing it as an ongoing, daily practice. This involves cultivating self-awareness to acknowledge my emotions and practicing self-compassion, particularly when facing challenges. I work on redirecting negative thoughts and accepting that not every day will be the same—embracing difficult days with hope and the perspective that good days have come before and will come again.
One practice I recommend is getting up and moving, as physical activity can help shift our mental state. Additionally, finding a reflection source is essential, whether through professional counseling, trusted relationships, or even AI tools that provide a non-judgmental space to process thoughts and hold yourself accountable.
Charlotte Diaz
Junior Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant, Tykes and Teens
Self Love and Self Care Responsibility
Self love and self care should never be an option. It’s not always asking for help, not thinking you’re being selfish and respecting your own needs. However, it’s your responsibility. Maybe you need to not overschedule yourself, practice gratitude more or simply enjoy the sunlight? The maintenance for your own mental wellness comes when you remove the word perfection from your vocabulary. If we end up striving for this it can be a form of self abuse. Maybe you need to say no more often, dedicate more of your time to exercise or remain more aware that burnout is possible. Whatever resource practice you choose, be patient with yourself and remember any progress is a step in the right direction.
Christina Harrington-Stutzmann, LCSW-R, LMFT, LMHC
Licensed Psychotherapist, Christina Harrington-Stutzmann
Daily Body Check-In for Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health is as essential as taking care of your physical health. As a trauma therapist, I’ve found that one of the most powerful practices for self-soothing is to do a daily “body check-in,” which is a simple 5-minute pause to scan your body from head to toe, noticing areas of tension or comfort. This helps you catch stress signals early, like tight shoulders or racing thoughts, before they become overwhelming.
When you notice these signals, try taking three deep breaths, focusing on lengthening your exhale and imagining sending the breath into any areas that are tense to create more space. Grounding exercises, like feeling your feet on the floor or gently pressing your palms together, can help bring you back to the present moment.
The key is consistency; even a brief daily check-in with yourself is more valuable than longer, irregular practices. Simple movements like gentle shoulder rolls, stretching, or taking a short walk can help release tension and shift your emotional state. Remember that each person’s path to self-regulation is unique, so experiment with different mindfulness and movement practices to discover what helps you feel the most centered and calm.
Kirsten Hartz
Therapist & Founder, Sona Collective
Prioritize Mental Health for Quality Life
I will always vouch for prioritizing mental health for overall well-being and quality of life. It begins with recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health and acknowledging that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Understanding personal stressors and triggers is a crucial step. This way you can set boundaries and avoid situations that may negatively impact your mental well-being.
You should follow healthy daily habits, such as getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and practicing mindfulness can significantly improve mental clarity and emotional balance. Apart from that, you must also follow mindfulness activities to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. These exercises may include meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Building strong social connections is another vital aspect of maintaining mental health. You should also develop coping skills such as stress management techniques and self-compassion. You may need support from your family, friends, and loved ones for emotional security. Along with that, you may also need to join support groups and share experiences. When challenges become overwhelming, seeking professional support from a licensed therapist or counselor can give personalized guidance and effective tools for managing mental health. In some cases, consulting with a psychiatrist for medication or other treatment options may be necessary.
I would recommend one specific practice for mental well-being and that would be practicing mindfulness meditation. This practice has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms while promoting emotional stability and self-awareness. Spending just 10-15 minutes a day focusing on the breath, bodily sensations, or a calming mantra can have profound benefits. Apps like Headspace or Calm can offer guidance for beginners looking to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines.
For people who need immediate support, mental health hotlines like 988 (in the U.S.) or local mental health organizations can provide timely assistance. Prioritizing mental health is not a luxury; rather it’s a necessity for leading a balanced and fulfilling life.
Shebna N Osanmoh
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Savantcare
Normalize Mental Health Check-Ins
One of the most effective ways to do this is by normalizing check-ins—whether that’s with a trusted adult, a peer, or a therapist. Just like we ask, “How’s your day?” we should ask, “How’s your mind?
A resource I often recommend is journaling. It might sound simple, but it’s a game-changer for many teens I work with. Writing down thoughts and feelings creates a safe space for them to process emotions without fear of judgment. It’s a small habit that can build big emotional awareness over time.
Remember, mental health is a practice, not a destination—and seeking support when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Aja Chavez
National Executive Director, Mission Prep Healthcare
Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Relief
I make time for mindfulness meditation every day, even if it’s just ten minutes. It’s a simple way to stay grounded, especially with the stresses of running a busy dental practice. Between managing patient care, coordinating with the team, and staying on top of new research, it’s easy to feel pulled in a million directions. Sitting quietly and focusing on my breathing gives me a chance to hit pause and clear my head.
At first, I didn’t think I had the time for it, but I started small with a guided meditation app when I had a break between patients, and it made all the difference. It’s amazing how much calmer and more focused I feel after just a short session. Over time, I’ve realized it’s not just about stress relief—it helps me think more clearly, handle challenges with patients or scheduling more calmly, and make better decisions for the practice overall.
If you’re new to it, I’d suggest starting with just five or ten minutes and using a guided app to help you along. For me, it’s a reminder to slow down and take care of my mental health, no matter how busy life gets. It’s a small habit with a big payoff, and it’s made a real difference in how I support my team, serve my patients, and approach the day-to-day challenges of running a dental practice.
Kalli Hale
Dentist, The Airway Dentists
Consistent Self-Care Practices
I prioritize mental health by building consistent self-care practices into my routine and remaining mindful of my limits. This includes setting boundaries between work and personal life, getting adequate rest, and carving out time for activities that recharge me, like exercise, spending time outdoors or spending time with loved ones. I also practice mindfulness through meditation, which helps me process stress and stay grounded during challenges.
When I notice signs of overwhelm or prolonged stress, I seek support without hesitation—whether by reaching out to trusted friends or colleagues or consulting a mental health professional. Normalizing conversations about mental well-being is key to creating a strong support system.
One resource I highly recommend is mindfulness meditation. Use apps like Calm or Headspace or even YouTube. They offer guided sessions to help manage stress, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of calm. Just 10 minutes a day can make a significant difference in maintaining mental resilience.
Ultimately, prioritizing mental health is not just about self-care—it’s about ensuring that you can show up fully for yourself and those who rely on you. By seeking support when needed and incorporating small, consistent practices into your daily life, you create a foundation for lasting well-being. Remember that taking care of your mental health is a strength, not a weakness, and it’s one of the best investments you can make for both personal and professional success.
Shishir Khedkar
Head of Engineering
Surfing for Mental Health
One resource I rely on for mental health and well-being is the ocean, with surfing as my practice. Surfing is more than just exercise; it’s a meditative experience that connects you to nature while demanding complete focus on the rhythm of the waves. This immersion leaves no room for stress or overthinking and provides a natural reset for both mind and body.
Regularly spending time in the ocean fosters mindfulness and resilience, helping to maintain mental clarity during challenging times. I recommend finding a resource like this—whether it’s surfing, hiking, or another activity in nature—that combines movement, mindfulness, and connection to the world around you. It’s a powerful way to manage stress and recharge emotionally.
Nick Esquivel
CEO, Globaltize
Emotional Check-In Routine
One particularly powerful approach that has proven to be very useful is starting an “emotional check-in” routine, again with self and a good support partner. Spending 10 minutes reviewing your emotional life at night, looking for lingering sources of stress, and realizing if tensions are being taken out before they become overwhelming helps to recognize smaller changes in one’s psychological state before they get larger.
Professional support is really like having a primary care physician. Friends and family are good for emotional support, but mental health professionals can provide expert advice and an objective look at our patterns of thought and behavior.
What this means in relationships: If we attend well to our mental health, then the better we will become to show up authentically in our relationships with other human beings. Maintenance of healthy mental activity keeps communication straight, establishes healthier boundaries and promotes thoughtful rather than reactive responses to a difficulty. It also leads the way by modeling self-care around us and sets an inspiring ripple effect encouraging others to seek their own mental health wellness.
Dr. Britt Lindon
Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist, Sens Psychology
