I am no stranger to bad mental health days, especially those provoked by insecurities, body dysmorphia and self doubt. As someone that normally keeps their feelings to themselves — mostly to avoid being pitied — it can be difficult to understand how to process your emotions in a healthy manner. 

Two semesters ago, I had hit rock bottom — my mental health was at an all-time low. Moving to a new city, 350 miles away from home, made it necessary for me to develop healthy and proactive habits to relieve myself after a bad mental day.

Although some of these were hard to adapt to and took a lot of self adjustment, they were essential to repair my relationship with myself. Here are the tips that constantly help me maintain a positive perspective.

Don’t be afraid to talk to yourself

It’s the healthiest thing to have talks with yourself, self-analyze and help yourself understand why you are feeling this way. Something that has helped with my negative self issues is to put a picture of myself when I was child in the mirror and talk to my inner child, because you would never talk negatively about that child, forcing you to focus on the positive. I’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember.

Positive affirmation apps 

I discovered this tip when I was reading Bella Hadid’s April 2022 American Vogue cover, where she talked about I Am. I Am is an affirmations app that sends you personalized messages throughout the day depending on what you are trying to manifest in your life. This has not only made me feel better throughout the day, but has made me feel a million times more confident.

Put on music and cook your favorite meal 

Connect your phone to your Spotify or other choice of media, and jam out while making your favorite dish. For me, it’s my famous salmon avocado and toast or as simple as frozen pizza; any meal is valid.

Go on a solo adventure

Even if it means venturing a bit further than usual, go outside of your comfort zone and do something by yourself. I did this a lot with a thrift store that I loved. While it forced me to take both BART and a bus, it was some much-needed therapeutic me-time.

Do something that reminds you of where you come from 

For me, this includes planning video calls with my friends from back home or doing things I used to do when I lived at home. This could be going on hikes, going to your favorite restaurant chain or just anything that will connect you to your roots.

A productive home workout 

A home workout always helps me destress and makes me feel better about myself. You don’t have to lose weight or develop abs overnight, but the feeling of completion and success after a workout is priceless. This also helps clear your mind and reminds you that there is always a new day ahead.

Remember not to be so hard on yourself, as we all go through mental health struggles. Even if you feel alone, hopefully these tips will help shift your perspective.