How to improve your mental health by scheduling in some simple daily habits

Many of us struggle with our mental health and a lot of us might have developed techniques to help us manage our mental health. However, according to th e NHS, there’s evidence to suggest performing certain steps (or habits) can help improve your mental health and wellbeing. These can be summarised by the following.

Being physically active
Learning new skills
Giving to others
Paying more attention to the here and now (mindfulness)

At Spark, scheduling habits forms a central part on how our users can help themselves with their mental health. Below are six simple steps you can take to boost your mental health.

Once you’ve logged in you can either tap the Habits option in the footer menu and choose an already listed habit. If the habit you want to schedule isn’t there, you can either select the +Add more option…

…or you can tap the plus sign when you first log in and create a new habit that way.

Simply Add a new habit.

Give it a title and when you’d like to do it to set as a reminder.

If you need some inspiration, here’s some ideas for what kinds of habits you might want to schedule taken from this site.
Track gratitude and achievement with a journal
Start your day with a cup of coffee
Set up a getaway e.g. camping with friends
Work your strengths e.g. do something you’re good at to build self-confidence
Think of something in your life you want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction
Experiment with a new recipe, write a poem, paint or try a Pinterest project
Take time to laugh. Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online
Relax in a warm bath once a week
Spend some time with a furry friend – if you don’t have a pet, hang out with a friend who does or volunteer at a shelter
Be a tourist in your own town
Try prepping your lunches or picking out your clothes for the work week
Send a thank you note – not for a material item, but to let someone know why you appreciate them
Do something with friends and family – have a cookout, go to a park, or play a game
Take 30 minutes to go for a walk in nature – it could be a stroll through a park, or a hike in the woods
Do your best to enjoy 15 minutes of sunshine, and apply sunscreen Try something outside of your comfort zone to make room for adventure and excitement in your life