written by Ananya Anand

Disclaimer: This article provides general health tips and is not a substitute for
professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know is struggling, seek help
from qualified professionals. Your well-being matters, and they can provide the
necessary support.

It’s challenging to balance your mental health alongside academic
responsibilities. I’ve personally faced these struggles, and it’s a common experience.
While scrolling online, I’ve noticed many videos touching on mental health,
often promoting beauty and skincare products as solutions. It raises the question: What
truly is taking care of your mental health? Is it about purchasing numerous beauty
products, or is it more about how you perceive yourself?

In my opinion, taking care of your mental health is about maintaining your peace
of mind. It’s a personal journey, and everyone has their own approach – whether that
involves buying skincare and makeup or finding other methods that work for them. In
this series, I’ll delve into different healthy ways to foster your mental well-being. Each
article will present a new tip, providing insights into effective ways to prioritize your
mental health.

Tip 1- Daily Reward

One thing that has consistently boosted my mental health is making it a point to
do something enjoyable every day. It might sound simple, but it shouldn’t feel like a task
you need to complete; instead, it should be a highlight you eagerly anticipate. It’s not
another chore on your to-do list.
For instance, later today, I plan to read a chapter from a book I’ve been enjoying.
For you, it could be playing a video game, taking a walk, revisiting an old instrument, or
starting a new drawing. The key is to choose an activity that brings you joy, and by
doing it daily, it instills a sense of purpose, and for me it becomes a source of
happiness.

Consider framing it like this: “I had a tough day and lots of homework, but I’m
going to reward myself by drawing for 20 minutes after completing my work.” You’re
setting a goal that doubles as a reward system, allowing you to enjoy moments of
relaxation after tackling more challenging responsibilities.

Recap:
Sometimes, we all need a break, and this tip is universally applicable. You might
be reading this and thinking, “Nope, that’s not for me. I’d rather read than watch TV,” or
some may wonder how reading could be enjoyable. That’s what makes us special –
we’re all human, but we’re all different. Take this tip and adapt it to something that is
healthy for you and brings joy, whatever that may be.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to those
who are there to support you – counselors, teachers, parents, trusted adults, etc. You’re
not alone, and seeking help is a courageous step toward well-being.
I hope you found this article enjoyable! Stay tuned for part two. If you’re interested in
reading more content like this, consider subscribing for updates. Thank you!