10 Positive Mental Health Habits for 2025

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These 10 positive mental health habits won’t magically fix everything, but they can give you the tools to navigate life with more balance and less stress. Over time, they’ll support not only your mental well-being but your physical health, emotional health, and overall well-being.

So, if you’re ready to stop surviving and start thriving, here’s everything you need to know about creating healthy habits, building a routine, and sticking to it.

For more good stuff on mental health:

Let’s talk about something real: how habits affect our mental health. It’s not some Pinterest-worthy mantra—it’s the foundation of how you live your life. The small things you do every day can either build you up or break you down. Trust me, as someone who has lived through the chaos of mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, I know how critical it is to cultivate positive mental health habits.

How Habits Affect Our Mental Health

Habits are your brain’s way of saving energy—it creates patterns, both good and bad, to make life easier. The problem? Those patterns don’t always serve you. If your daily routine includes scrolling social media until 2 a.m., skipping meals, and living off caffeine, you’re sabotaging your mental wellness.

Poor habits drain your energy levels, disrupt your mood, and increase negative feelings like stress and anxiety.

But here’s the good news: the right habits can work in your favor. Healthy mental health habits like practicing mindfulness, drinking enough water, and taking your meds on time can improve your cognitive function, boost positive emotions, and set you up for success in your everyday life.

What Are Positive Mental Health Habits?

Think of positive mental health habits as the building blocks of a healthier, happier you. These are small, consistent actions that help you feel grounded, improve your overall mental health, and manage stress more effectively.

They include everything from maintaining healthy relationships to getting enough quality sleep and learning how to stay present in the moment.

For me, building these habits hasn’t been about perfection—it’s been about survival.

Things like sobriety, creating a balanced diet, and finding a sense of purpose have been lifelines on my mental health journey.

How to Build New Habits

Building a new habit doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Start small – Focus on one habit at a time. Small changes, like adding more nutritious foods to your meals or taking a five-minute walk, can snowball into major improvements.
Be specific – Don’t just say, “I’ll sleep more.” Create a plan, like setting a consistent bedtime or creating a regular sleep schedule.
Track your progress – Use a journal or an app to celebrate every win, no matter how small.
Tie habits together – Pair your new habit with an existing one, like drinking water right after brushing your teeth.

How to Stick to Your New Habits

Let’s be honest: sticking to a new habit can feel impossible at times, especially when life gets messy. But here’s what works:

Set reminders – Sticky notes, phone alarms, or a friend can keep you on track.
Make it rewarding – Celebrate your wins with something you enjoy. For me, it’s treating myself to an audiobook or a solo walk on the beach.
Find support – Whether it’s a therapist, a family member, or an accountability buddy, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.
Focus on the long run – Habits are a marathon, not a sprint. Remember why you started, and give yourself grace on tough days.

10 Positive Mental Health Habits You Need to Try

Getting Sober

Sobriety is hands-down one of the hardest but most rewarding things you can do for your mental health. Alcohol might feel like it’s helping in the moment, but it’s a short-term fix with long-term consequences.

When I stopped drinking, I gained clarity, improved my relationships, and finally had the space to deal with the real issues hiding underneath.

Sobriety doesn’t just clear your head—it stabilizes your mood and gives you the emotional bandwidth to start building a life that feels good.

Whether it’s cutting back or going completely sober, this habit is a game-changer for your mental health.

Getting Sunshine

Sunshine isn’t just about feeling good—it’s a literal mood booster thanks to the vitamin D your body produces when you’re exposed to natural light.

Spending even 10–15 minutes in the sun can help regulate your sleep cycle, reduce feelings of depression, and improve overall mental wellbeing.

For me, stepping outside first thing in the morning helps me feel grounded and ready for the day.

If you’re stuck indoors, try opening your blinds or sitting by a sunny window—it’s not the same, but it’s better than nothing.

Make sunshine part of your daily routine and watch your mood improve.

Finding Healthy Hobbies

Healthy hobbies aren’t just for fun—they’re a lifeline for your mental health.

Whether it’s weightlifting, knitting, reading, or trying a new sport, a new hobby keeps your brain engaged and gives you a sense of purpose. When I started reading, it wasn’t just about mental health—it became a way to channel my creative energy and feel like I was actively doing something positive for myself.

Hobbies also encourage social interactions if you join a class or group, which is a bonus for building social connections. I had some fun with Zumba classes earlier this year. Highly recommend!

The key is to find something that excites you and makes you want to keep showing up.

Limiting Carbs and Sugars

This one might sound strange, but hear me out: cutting down on sugar and carbs changed my life. I follow a keto diet, and it’s been incredible for stabilizing my mood and keeping my energy steady throughout the day.

Too much sugar can send you on a rollercoaster of spikes and crashes, which messes with your focus and emotions.

Replacing those quick fixes with nutritious foods like proteins and fats supports your brain function and overall mood. E

ven if keto isn’t your thing, being mindful of what you eat is an important part of your mental and physical health.

Listening to Your Doctors About Healthy Habits

We all love a good Google rabbit hole, but nothing beats professional advice tailored to your needs.

Doctors can recommend habits that actually work for you, whether it’s regular exercise, medication, or adjusting your balanced diet.

For me, listening to my doctor helped me stick to a routine that finally made me feel like I was in control of my life. This was my key to losing 100 pounds!

It’s not just about physical health—professionals know how to support your emotional and mental health, too. Trust the process and let them guide you toward healthier choices.

Taking Your Meds on Time Every Day

Taking your meds on time might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your mental health.

Skipping doses or forgetting altogether can throw you off balance and undo weeks (or months) of progress.

I set an alarm every morning to remind myself, and I treat it like brushing my teeth—it’s non-negotiable.

Consistency with medication helps stabilize your brain chemistry, which is critical for managing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.

If you’re struggling, talk to your doctor about creating a schedule that works for you.

Drinking Water

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to support your overall health and improve how you feel on a daily basis.

Dehydration can mess with your focus, energy, and mood, so drinking enough water is an absolute must.

I carry a water bottle with me everywhere, and I make it a goal to drink a full glass first thing in the morning.

Water isn’t just for physical health—it improves brain function and helps you stay emotionally balanced.

If plain water bores you, add lemon, cucumber, or even a splash of fruit juice to keep it interesting. I like electrolyte packets to add some umpth and value to my water!

Getting Outside Every Day

Nature is therapy, plain and simple.

Stepping outside, even for five minutes, can reset your mood, clear your head, and remind you that there’s more to life than your current stress.

On tough days, I force myself to take a quick walk or even just sit on my patio, and it almost always helps.

Being outside also encourages deep breathing, which can calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just step outside, and let nature do its thing.

Listening to Your Body

Your body knows what it needs—you just have to listen. Feeling tired? That’s your body telling you to rest. Feeling hungry? Fuel yourself with healthy foods.

For years, I ignored my body’s signals, which only made my mental and physical health worse.

Now, I take time to check in with myself throughout the day, asking, “What do I need right now?”

This habit isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning to respond to your body with kindness and care.

Scheduling Rest Time

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. If you’re not scheduling downtime, you’re probably burning out without even realizing it.

For me, planning rest days into my week has been a game-changer.

It’s not just about sleeping—it’s about giving yourself permission to pause, recharge, and breathe.

Whether it’s taking a nap, watching your favorite show, or just lying down in silence, rest is how you refill your cup. Make it a priority, not an afterthought.

BONUS MENTAL HEALTH HABIT: Cut out social media

I know, sounds crazy. I cut out social media (for the most part) for the better part of 1.5 years and it was life changing.

I developed a much healthier relationship with myself and when I returned to social media, a better relationship with it as well. It is a daunting task, though.

Start with limiting your doom scroll time. You’d be surprised what all can happen when you stop doom scrooling for 10 hours a day.

The Bottom Line

Here’s the truth: how habits affect our mental health is undeniable. The little things you do each day (like positive mental health habits) have a significant impact on your overall well-being.

By focusing on positive habits like drinking water, spending time outside, and creating a healthy diet, you’re investing in a healthier, happier version of yourself.

Building healthy mental health habits takes time, but trust me—it’s worth it. Start small, show up for yourself, and watch as these habits reshape your daily life. You’ve got this.