5 Simple Mental Health Tips for a More Balanced Life
|
|
Time to read 7 min
Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it's easy to push our mental health to the side. I know this firsthand. As a mom, a wife, and a business owner, I’ve had more than my fair share of moments where I felt like I was running on empty. Add in life’s curveballs, and it’s safe to say that caring for my mental health hasn’t always come naturally—or easily.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that prioritizing your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It’s the foundation for everything else. Whether you’re navigating a busy season of life, managing personal challenges, or simply trying to feel more like yourself again, these small but meaningful shifts can make a difference.
At Wilde and Untamed, we believe in creating a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to take control of their mental health. These five tips are simple, relatable ways to begin—or continue—your journey toward healing and self-care.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PRACTIVE SELF–COMPASSION: GIVE YOURSELF GRACE 2. PROTECT YOUR PEACE: SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES 3. MOVE TO HEAL: BOOST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH MOVEMENT 4. LEAN INTO CONNECTION: REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT 5. WRITE IT OUT: USE JOURNALING TO RELEASE AND REFLECT PRIORITIZE YOU: MENTAL HEALTH IS ESSENTIAL, NOT OPTIONAL KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. PRACTIVE SELF–COMPASSION: GIVE YOURSELF GRACE
We often place so much pressure on ourselves to get everything right—whether it’s in work, relationships, or personal goals. But healing and growth aren’t linear, and that’s okay. Giving yourself grace is one of the most underrated yet powerful parts of mental health care.
Here are a few reminders I’ve learned to come back to:
Be patient with yourself—progress doesn’t have to be perfect.
Celebrate small wins , even if it’s just getting out of bed or doing the dishes.
Remember: it’s okay to have hard days. They don’t define you.
"Grace isn't about perfection—it's about compassion Even on your hardest days you are still worthy of love and patience"
I’ll be honest—there have been many days where the house was a mess, the kids were crying, and I felt like I was failing at everything. I felt overstimulated and like no matter what I did, I was getting it all wrong. But in those moments, I’ve learned to pause, take a deep breath, and remind myself: I don’t have to be perfect. None of us do.
Sometimes, doing your best means simply making it through the day. And that still counts. Mental health isn't about always being okay—it’s about allowing space for every version of you, especially the one who’s just doing her best.
2. PROTECT YOUR PEACE: SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Do you often find yourself saying “yes” when you really mean “no”? Setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your mental health.
Examples of boundary-setting phrases:
“I need some time to recharge —can we talk later?”
“That doesn’t work for me, but thank you for thinking of me.”
“I wish I could help, but I’m not available right now.”
I used to think I had to do it all—say yes to every favor, take on every responsibility, and be everything for everyone. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
"Saying 'no' isn’t selfish—it’s a form of self-respect Boundaries protect your peace and preserve your energy"
I’ll be honest, I still struggle with setting boundaries. I’m a giver to a fault, a "recovering people-pleaser," if you will. But I’m learning that setting boundaries isn’t just about saying "no"; it’s about protecting your mental health.
Saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad person; it makes you someone who values their own well-being. Start small—maybe by limiting how much time you spend on activities that drain your energy. Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re bridges to a healthier, more balanced version of you.
3. MOVE TO HEAL: BOOST YOUR MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH MOVEMENT
It’s no secret that movement is good for the mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress. But you don’t need an intense workout, hell I am not even saying to go get a gym membership—to feel the benefits.
Try simple movements like:
A quick 10-minute walk to clear your mind
Blare that music and dance in the kitchen like no one is watching
Riding a bike
Basic stretches while binging your favorite show at home
Gardening (Yes even gardening!)
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, these kinds of moments—especially short walks around the block and dancing it out with my kids—help reset my mindset. Forget the reps and routines—this is about feeling free and finding your rhythm. Movement doesn’t have to be structured. It just has to feel good and support your mental health.
"Movement is medicine for the mind—find what feels good and let it carry you through"
4. LEAN INTO CONNECTION: REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT
Human connection is one of the most healing forces in life. When you’re feeling down, reach out to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or even a therapist. Sometimes, just talking about what you’re going through can lighten the load and improve your mental health.
For me, opening up doesn't come easy. Growing up being the oldest child, I’ve always been the one to listen, the one people turn to for support, while silently holding my own feelings in check. I’ve spent so many years being there for everyone else, it’s hard to let my guard down and ask for help. I often feel like I should be strong, like it’s expected of me, and that sharing my struggles might burden others. But when I finally allow myself to open up, even just a little, I’m reminded of how much comfort and healing comes from the support of those who truly care.
You are not a burden. You are human.
Sometimes it's about finding your circle—or even just one person you can trust. That’s all you really need. If connecting with others feels hard right now, start small. Send a text, write a letter, or schedule a quick phone call. You don’t have to go through life’s challenges alone.
5. WRITE IT OUT: USE JOURNALING TO RELEASE AND REFLECT
Journaling is personally one of my favorite mental health tools. It’s such a powerful way to process emotions and clear mental clutter. There’s no right or wrong way to journal—it’s all about creating a space where you can express yourself freely. When I’m struggling with my mental health, journaling gives me an outlet to release what’s on my mind without judgment.
Start by writing down how you’re feeling, what’s on your mind, or even things you’re grateful for. If you’re not sure where to begin, try prompts like:
- “Today, I’m feeling…”
- “Something I need to let go of is…”
- “One thing I’m proud of is…”
Over time, you may notice patterns in your thoughts and emotions, giving you greater insight into what you need to feel your best. Journaling can help you discover what works for your mental health and guide you on your healing journey.
Journaling has helped me work through anxiety, reflect on my growth, and stay grounded. It’s also a great way to track progress and remind yourself of just how far you’ve come.
PRIORITIZE YOU: MENTAL HEALTH IS ESSENTIAL, NOT OPTIONAL
Taking care of your mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. By giving yourself grace, setting boundaries, moving your body, connecting with others, and journaling your thoughts, you’re taking important steps toward greater well-being. Each action, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction for your mental health.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Choose one tip to focus on this week and see how it feels. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress. It’s about making consistent strides, not perfection.
At Wilde and Untamed, we’re passionate about creating spaces for healing and self-expression. Whether it’s through our mental health–focused designs or resources like The Healing Haven, we want to remind you that you’re never alone on this journey.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE – Embrace imperfections and allow yourself to grow without pressure to be perfect.
SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES – Protect your energy and peace by learning to say “no” without guilt.
MOVE YOUR BODY DAILY – Gentle movement like walking or dancing can instantly boost your mood.
JOURNAL + CONNECT – Journaling and meaningful connection can help process emotions and reduce mental clutter.
YOUR TURN
This space isn’t just mine—it’s ours.
If anything in this blog hit home for you, scroll down and share your thoughts in the comments. You never know who you might encourage just by speaking up.
The Author
Hey there! Im Adrianna, mom of three, foster parent, and the creator of Wilde and Untamed. After my daughter’s cancer diagnosis flipped our world upside down, I found healing through creating. Now, I share my journey to remind others they’re not alone—and that even in the darkest seasons, there’s still light to be found.
Frequently Asked Questions
I struggle with motivation—how do I stick to these tips?
Start small and be kind to yourself! Focus on the positive feelings these activities bring, and don’t worry about perfection. If you miss a day, just pick it back up the next. Progress is about consistency, not perfection. Setting reminders on your phone or calendar can help you stay on track and make these activities a regular part of your day.
How can I start incorporating these tips into my daily routine?
Start with one small change at a time, like adding a 10-minute walk or practicing a few stretches while watching TV. Consistency is key, and you’ll gradually see the benefits.
What if these tips don’t feel like they’re helping?
It’s important to be patient with yourself. Mental health improvements can take time, and small changes might not feel like they're making an impact immediately. If you're not noticing big changes, try sticking with the practices for a few weeks and be mindful of any subtle shifts in your mood, stress levels, or energy. Sometimes, it’s about consistency and giving yourself grace during the process. If you feel comfortable, consider talking to a therapist or counselor for additional support.
READY TO FIND MORE BALANCE WITHOUT THE BURNOUT?
You don’t need a total life overhaul to feel better—just a few simple shifts that support your mind and heart. Our Mental Health Collection is here to walk beside you through the messy middle, offering gentle reminders that small steps domatter, and taking care of your mental health is never selfish—it’s survival, and it’s sacred.
