Disclosure: This article was written by our editorial team as part of a paid partnership with BetterHelp and is not an official BetterHelp publication. As a BetterHelp affiliate, we receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.
Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, your mental health can easily slip to the bottom of the to-do list. But taking care of your mind doesn’t have to mean a total lifestyle overhaul or hours of free time you don’t have. Small, consistent habits can make a real difference in how you feel day to day.
Here are seven easy ways to support your mental health, even when life gets busy.
If you’ve been thinking about talking to someone, see tip #2: new BetterHelp members get 20% off their first month of online therapy.
1. Get Outside for a Few Minutes
Fresh air and natural light can do wonders for your mood. A short walk around the block, a few minutes on the porch with your morning coffee, or eating lunch outside can help you reset and clear your head. You don’t need a long hike to feel the benefits. Even 10 minutes outdoors can help break up a stressful day.
2. Talk to a Professional on Your Schedule
Sometimes self-care habits aren’t enough on their own, and that’s completely okay. Talking to a therapist can help you work through stress, build healthy coping strategies, and feel more like yourself again. For many people, the biggest barrier is finding the time, but getting started with therapy is more convenient than ever.
One option we recommend is BetterHelp, an online therapy platform we partner with. BetterHelp makes professional therapy accessible online, so you can get support wherever you are, whether that’s on your lunch break, after the kids are asleep, or from the comfort of your couch. Over 6 million people have received support through BetterHelp, and members are typically matched with a professional therapist in as little as 2 days based on their needs, preferences, and goals.
Therapy may also be more affordable than you think. BetterHelp is in-network with 125+ health plans, and with insurance, many members pay $15 or less, and some pay $0.* BetterHelp also accepts FSA and HSA cards, so paying for therapy can be easy and convenient. And if your first therapist isn’t the right fit, you can switch therapists anytime, for any reason.
Getting started is simple: share a little about what you’re looking for, and BetterHelp will match you with a professional therapist who fits your needs. Because sessions happen online, there’s no commute, no waiting room, and no need to rearrange your entire week. You can fit therapy into your life, instead of the other way around.
Get 20% Off Your First Month of Therapy
New to BetterHelp? New members get 20% off their first month. Answer a few questions and get matched with a professional therapist, often in as little as 2 days.
Since you can switch therapists anytime, for any reason, there’s no pressure to get the first match perfect.
3. Move Your Body in Ways You Enjoy
Exercise isn’t just good for your body. Regular movement is one of the most effective ways to ease stress and boost your energy. The key is choosing something you actually like, whether that’s dancing in the kitchen, stretching before bed, following a yoga video, or going for a quick bike ride. When movement feels fun instead of like a chore, it’s much easier to stick with.
4. Protect Your Sleep
It’s hard to feel your best when you’re running on too little rest. Try setting a consistent bedtime, putting your phone away 30 minutes before sleep, and keeping your bedroom cool and dark. Small adjustments to your nighttime routine can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Read now: Why Relaxing Is More Important Than You Think
5. Set Boundaries With Your Phone
Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and comparing your life to highlight reels online can quietly drain your energy. Try turning off nonessential notifications, setting app time limits, or keeping your phone out of reach during meals. Creating a little distance from your screen can free up mental space for the things that matter most.
6. Stay Connected With People You Love
Strong relationships are one of the best buffers against stress. Make a point to text a friend, schedule a coffee date, or call a family member just to chat. Even short moments of connection can help you feel supported and remind you that you don’t have to handle everything alone.
And if you’d rather talk things through with someone outside your circle, online therapy with BetterHelp is another option. New members get 20% off their first month.
7. Write It Down
Journaling is a simple way to process your thoughts and feelings. You don’t need fancy prompts or a perfect notebook. Try jotting down three things you’re grateful for, writing out what’s worrying you, or simply describing your day. Getting your thoughts onto paper can make them feel more manageable and help you spot patterns in your mood.
Small Steps Add Up
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one or two of these habits and build from there. Whether it’s a daily walk, a screen-free evening, or your first session with a therapist, every small step counts. You deserve to feel your best, and support is closer and more convenient than you might think.
Ready to take that step? Get 20% off your first month with BetterHelp and get matched with a professional therapist who fits your needs.
If you are ever in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.
*Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
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