These proven tools can help you feel stronger and more hopeful. Check out each page for specific, easy-to-follow tips.
Your friend gets your joke. Your co-worker offers congrats. Your spouse hugs you hello. They are all helping you bust stress and boost well-being. In fact, Mental Health America found that 71 percent of people surveyed turned to friends or family in times of stress. Humans are social animals: We crave feeling supported, valued and connected.
Learn about creating connections, finding enough support, making friends, strengthening your relationships, and getting support from a group.
It’s likely our species survived because of our knack for detecting danger. But our worry-filled thoughts can present dangers of their own: Thinking negatively can drag down our moods, our actions and even our health. Experts say it’s worthwhile—and possible—to learn how to think more positively.
Learn about fostering optimism, practicing gratitude, and avoiding negative thinking.
The dusty tennis shoes. The gym membership that mostly exercises your wallet. The jump rope coiled at the back of the closet. Lots of us have proof that it can be tough to stick with exercising.
Learn about how much exercise you need, exercise essentials, how to squeeze exercise into your routine, and what to do when your resolve sags.
If you lug your elderly neighbor’s groceries up her steps, clearly it’s good for her. But did you know that it’s likely good for you too? Research indicates that those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains and better health. They may even live longer.
Learn hints on helping and ways to volunteer.
Sleep may seem like a waste of time. You could instead be answering e-mail, doing the dishes, repairing the deck or decking the halls. But research shows that you’re more likely to succeed at your tasks—and enjoy greater well-being—if you get some serious shuteye. Of course, it’s not easy to sleep when you’re feeling overwhelmed. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Americans say they lose sleep because of stress. That’s especially unfortunate because sleep
combats some of the fallout of stress, and poor sleep has been linked to significant problems.
Learn if you’re getting enough sleeping, tips for upping your sleep, and about sleep aids.
#6: Create Joy and Satisfaction
Do you have tons of items on your to-do list? Well, add one more. It’s time to pencil in a little pleasure. Chances are, you simply deserve some joy and satisfaction. But if you prefer, you can think about the serious side of fun. Experts say good feelings can boost your ability to bounce back from stress, solve problems, think flexibly and even fight disease.
Learn how to strengthen your funny bone, find some fun, what’s your “flow”, how to indulge, and get more out of what you’ve got.
Mom was right: You’ve got to eat well to function well. Just in case you didn’t gobble up Mom’s wisdom, here are some useful tidbits.
Learn about basic ingredients, food warnings, and about diet and depression.
Eat your veggies. Get enough rest. Exercise. Those are clear suggestions. But you may be thinking, what in Heaven’s name does it mean to “take care of your spirit”? For lots of people, being spiritual means observing rituals, studying texts and attending religious services, well, religiously. For others, it’s not at all about traditional structures or notions of God.
You can think of spirituality as connecting to whatever you consider meaningful and holy. You can find it in God, in yourself, in other people, in nature, art or kindness. Whatever you focus on, spirituality offers many possible benefits, including better mood, less anxiety and depression-and even fewer aches and illnesses.
Learn about organized religion, meditation, and connecting with your deepest self.
#9: Deal Better with Hard Times
At some point in our lives, most of us will face times that are extra stressful or that even shake us to our core. At those times, having strong coping strategies can make a huge difference. Of course, exercising, focusing on your spiritual life and getting enough rest—and all the other Live Your Life Well tools—can be great supports in difficult situations. Other techniques can be particularly useful in dealing with tough times.
Learn about ways to deal better and how to get support.
#10: Get Professional Help if You Need it
If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. And if you’re having trouble, know that you are not alone: One in four adults in this country have a mental health problem in any given year. If you or someone you know is feeling especially bad or suicidal, get help right away. You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.
Learn about finding help, getting started with treatment, getting the most from treatment, medication, and paying for treatment.