Good mental health is a key factor in feeling happy, connected to others, and finding meaning in life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing gratitude, contributing to society, and engaging in activities you enjoy—whether alone or with others—can all help cultivate strong mental well-being.
Being mentally healthy means being at peace with yourself, approaching problems with a solution-focused mindset, and seeing the brighter side of life.
Psychologist Ana Belén Medialdea, a strong advocate of doing what feels right and beneficial, has her daily non-negotiables when it comes to mental well-being.
“There are five things I encourage everyone to keep in mind. Try to do at least three of them each day. Practicing these habits is crucial for reducing daily stress levels.”
Five Antidotes to Stress
Why should we avoid chronic stress?
Because constant stress raises cortisol levels, triggering hormonal imbalances that can affect the body in many ways.
These are Ana Belén Medialdea’s five tips for achieving good mental health:
1. Prioritize Rest
“If you wake up feeling exhausted and unrested, this is the first issue you need to address—whether through natural methods or medical support,” warns Medialdea.
Lack of sleep leads to:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Increased obsessive thoughts
- Irritability and mood swings
- A higher likelihood of making mistakes
- A tense and negative environment
Getting quality rest is essential for mental balance and emotional well-being.
2. Take Care of Your Diet
“I always mention this when talking about non-negotiables because so many people tell me they eat in just ten minutes to save time. This may not be a big deal once in a while, but making it a habit is unhealthy,” explains Medialdea.
While it’s important to be mindful of what we eat, obsessing over food can also be problematic.
Her advice? Enjoy balanced eating habits, but allow yourself small indulgences—for example, treating yourself to an ice cream when the weather is nice.
3. Move Your Body
This doesn’t mean committing to a full workout routine—it simply means finding ways to move throughout the day.
Some simple changes include:
- Parking further away and walking the extra distance
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Stretching or dancing at home
“When we move our bodies, we release cortisol—the hormone responsible for stress and anxiety. This simple habit can significantly improve our mental state,” says Medialdea.
4. Allow Yourself Moments of Doing Nothing
In our fast-paced, always-busy world, finding a moment to pause and do nothing is a luxury.
Medialdea encourages deliberate mental breaks, where you simply let your mind rest without the pressure of productivity.
“Don’t use this time thinking, ‘I should do something productive.’ Instead, just let your mind relax,” she emphasizes.
5. End the Day with Something That Brings You Joy
This simple yet powerful habit involves ending your day by doing something small that makes you happy.
“We often do things for others but forget to give ourselves a little moment of joy,” says Medialdea.
It could be:
- Reading a few pages of a book
- Watching a comforting show
- Enjoying a favorite snack
For her, it’s a warm decaf coffee with a piece of chocolate dipped into it—a small but satisfying ritual.
Final Thoughts
Mental health is built through daily habits.
By incorporating at least three of these five simple practices into your routine, you can reduce stress, improve mood, and feel more balanced in everyday life.
Your well-being is worth it.
4o