🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 34 (from laksa143)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa034.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html","crawl_time":1775542629,"first_indexed_time":1587097092,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"gov,medlineplus!\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html s443","src_root_hash":"14962761832352801234","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Improve Mental Health: MedlinePlus","meta_descriptions":["Your mental health affects all parts of your life. Learn how to improve your mental health through positive thinking, relaxation techniques, and gratitude."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Also called: Boost Emotional Wellness, Improve Emotional Health, Stay Positive\nSummary\nWhat is mental health?\nMental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle\nstress\n, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from\nchildhood\nand\nthe teen years\nthrough adulthood and\nolder age\n.\nWhy is mental health important?\nGood mental health can help you:\nCope with stress\nBe physically healthy\nHave good relationships\nMake meaningful contributions to your community\nWork productively\nRealize your full potential\nHow can I improve my mental health?\nThere are many ways to take care of your mental health, including:\nStaying positive\n, which is the habit of seeing the good in situations and expecting things to work out well. Some ways to build a positive outlook include:\nFinding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. These emotions can help you deal with problems. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to dwell on bad memories or worry too much about the future.\nTrying to hold on to good feelings when you have them.\nLimiting exposure to negative information. For example, take breaks from the news or social media if they make you feel upset. Use social media to connect, not to  get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others.\nPracticing gratitude\n, which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. Practicing gratitude can help you notice moments when you have positive emotions, even during stressful times.\nTaking care of your physical health\n, since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include:\nBeing physically active\n. Exercise reduces feelings of stress and\ndepression\nand improves your mood.\nGetting enough sleep\n. Sleep affects your mood. If you don't sleep well, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night.\nHealthy eating\n. Good nutrition may help you feel better physically, improve your mood and decrease\nanxiety\nand stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of\nvitamin B12\nand depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get enough of the nutrients you need.\nConnecting with others\n, since strong, healthy relationships may help protect you against stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy.\nDeveloping a sense of meaning and purpose in life\n, which could be through your job, volunteering, learning new skills, or exploring your spirituality. Having a sense of purpose supports long-term emotional health.\nDeveloping coping skills\n, which are methods you use to deal with stressful situations. They may help you be flexible, face a difficult problem, and not easily give up until you  solve it.\nMeditation\n, which is a mind and body practice where you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. Meditation usually involves:\nA quiet location with as few distractions as possible.\nA comfortable position. This could be sitting, lying down, walking, or another position.\nA focus of attention, such as a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or your breath.\nAn open attitude, where you try to let your thoughts come and go without judging them.\nRelaxation techniques\nare practices you do to produce your body's natural relaxation response. This response slows down your breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension and stress. Types of relaxation techniques include:\nProgressive relaxation\n, where you tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises.\nGuided imagery\n, where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused.\nBiofeedback\n, where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension.\nSelf-hypnosis\n, where the practice of using a specific word, image, or cue can help you enter a relaxed, focused state that shapes your thoughts and behaviors in positive ways.\nDeep breathing exercises\n, which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths to calm your body and mind.\nIt's also important to recognize when you need to get help. Talk therapy and\/or medicines can treat many\nmental disorders\n. Start by talking with your health care provider for advice on where to get care.\nStart Here\nAnger Management: 10 Tips to Tame Your Temper\n(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)\nAlso in\nSpanish\nResilience\n(American Psychological Association)\nAlso in\nSpanish\nStress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress\n(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)\nGratitude (For Teens)\n(Nemours Foundation)\nSteps to Good Mental Health\n(Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)\nAlso in\nSpanish\nImprove Your Emotional Well-Being\n(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)\nRelaxation techniques for stress\n(Medical Encyclopedia)\nAlso in\nSpanish","attrs_markdown":"[Skip navigation](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html#start)\n\n![](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/uswds\/img\/us_flag_small.png)\n\nAn official website of the United States government\n\nHere’s how you know\n\nHere’s how you know\n\n![](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/uswds\/img\/icon-dot-gov.svg)\n\n**Official websites use .gov**  \nA **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.\n\n![](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/uswds\/img\/icon-https.svg)\n\n**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**  \nA **lock** ( Locked padlock icon) or **https:\/\/** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.\n\n[![National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nihlogo.png)](https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/ \"National Institutes of Health\")  [National Library of Medicine](https:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/)\n\n[![MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/m_logo.png)](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/healthtopics.html)\n- [Drugs & Supplements](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginformation.html)\n- [Genetics](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/genetics\/)\n- [Medical Tests](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/)\n- [Medical Encyclopedia](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/encyclopedia.html)\n- [About MedlinePlus](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/about\/)\n\nSearch\n\n- [About MedlinePlus](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/about\/)\n- [What's New](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/whatsnew\/)\n- [Site Map](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/sitemap.html)\n- [Customer Support](https:\/\/support.nlm.nih.gov\/knowledgebase\/category\/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from=https%3A\/\/medlineplus.gov\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html)\n\n- [Health Topics](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/healthtopics.html)\n- [Drugs & Supplements](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginformation.html)\n- [Genetics](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/genetics\/)\n- [Medical Tests](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/lab-tests\/)\n- [Medical Encyclopedia](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/encyclopedia.html)\n\n[Español](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/spanish\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html \"Español\")\n\nYou Are Here:\n\n[Home](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/) →\n\n[Health Topics](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/healthtopics.html) →\n\nHow to Improve Mental Health\n\nURL of this page: https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html\n\n# How to Improve Mental Health\nAlso called: Boost Emotional Wellness, Improve Emotional Health, Stay Positive\n\n## Summary\n### What is mental health?\nMental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle [stress](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/stress.html), relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from [childhood](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/childmentalhealth.html) and [the teen years](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/teenmentalhealth.html) through adulthood and [older age](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/olderadultmentalhealth.html).\n\n### Why is mental health important?\nGood mental health can help you:\n\n- Cope with stress\n- Be physically healthy\n- Have good relationships\n- Make meaningful contributions to your community\n- Work productively\n- Realize your full potential\n### How can I improve my mental health?\nThere are many ways to take care of your mental health, including:\n\n- **Staying positive**, which is the habit of seeing the good in situations and expecting things to work out well. Some ways to build a positive outlook include:\n  - Finding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. These emotions can help you deal with problems. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to dwell on bad memories or worry too much about the future.\n  - Trying to hold on to good feelings when you have them.\n  - Limiting exposure to negative information. For example, take breaks from the news or social media if they make you feel upset. Use social media to connect, not to get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others.\n- **Practicing gratitude**, which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. Practicing gratitude can help you notice moments when you have positive emotions, even during stressful times.\n- **Taking care of your physical health**, since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include:\n  - [Being physically active](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html). Exercise reduces feelings of stress and [depression](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/depression.html) and improves your mood.\n  - [Getting enough sleep](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/healthysleep.html). Sleep affects your mood. If you don't sleep well, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night.\n  - [Healthy eating](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/nutrition.html). Good nutrition may help you feel better physically, improve your mood and decrease [anxiety](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/anxiety.html) and stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of [vitamin B12](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/bvitamins.html) and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get enough of the nutrients you need.\n- **Connecting with others**, since strong, healthy relationships may help protect you against stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy.\n- **Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life**, which could be through your job, volunteering, learning new skills, or exploring your spirituality. Having a sense of purpose supports long-term emotional health.\n- **Developing coping skills**, which are methods you use to deal with stressful situations. They may help you be flexible, face a difficult problem, and not easily give up until you solve it.\n- **Meditation**, which is a mind and body practice where you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. Meditation usually involves:\n  - A quiet location with as few distractions as possible.\n  - A comfortable position. This could be sitting, lying down, walking, or another position.\n  - A focus of attention, such as a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or your breath.\n  - An open attitude, where you try to let your thoughts come and go without judging them.\n- **Relaxation techniques** are practices you do to produce your body's natural relaxation response. This response slows down your breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension and stress. Types of relaxation techniques include:\n  - **Progressive relaxation**, where you tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises.\n  - **Guided imagery**, where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused.\n  - **Biofeedback**, where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension.\n  - **Self-hypnosis**, where the practice of using a specific word, image, or cue can help you enter a relaxed, focused state that shapes your thoughts and behaviors in positive ways.\n  - **Deep breathing exercises**, which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths to calm your body and mind.\n\nIt's also important to recognize when you need to get help. Talk therapy and\/or medicines can treat many [mental disorders](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/mentaldisorders.html). Start by talking with your health care provider for advice on where to get care.\n\n## Start Here\n- [31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/31-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Caring for Your Mental Health](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/caring-for-your-mental-health)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png) ![Video](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/videocamera.gif)  (National Institute of Mental Health)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/espanol\/el-cuidado-de-su-salud-mental\/el-cuidado-de-su-salud-mental)\n- [Live Your Life Well](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/live-your-life-well\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/my-mental-health-do-i-need-help)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Institute of Mental Health)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/espanol\/necesito-ayuda-para-mi-salud-mental)\n\n## Treatments and Therapies\n- [Get Professional Help if You Need It](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/get-professional-help-if-you-need-it\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety](https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/meditation-and-mindfulness-effectiveness-and-safety)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)\n- [Tips for Talking with a Health Care Provider about Your Mental Health](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Institute of Mental Health)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/espanol\/consejos-para-hablar-con-su-proveedor)\n- [Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety](https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/yoga-effectiveness-and-safety)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)\n\n## Related Issues\n- [Anger Management: 10 Tips to Tame Your Temper](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/anger-management\/art-20045434?p=1)   (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/anger-management\/art-20045434?p=1)\n- [Resilience](https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/resilience?partner=nlm)   (American Psychological Association)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/resilience\/camino?partner=nlm)\n- [Stress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/stress-relievers\/art-20047257?p=1)   (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)\n\n## Specifics\n- [Connect with Others](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/connect-with-others\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Create Joy and Satisfaction](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/create-joy-and-satisfaction\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Deal Better with Hard Times](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/deal-better-with-hard-times\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Eat Well](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/eat-well\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/forgiveness\/art-20047692?p=1)   (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/forgiveness\/art-20047692?p=1)\n- [Friendships: Enrich Your Life and Improve Your Health](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/friendships\/art-20044860?p=1)   (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/friendships\/art-20044860?p=1)\n- [Get Physically Active](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/get-physically-active\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Healthy Sleep: MedlinePlus Health Topic](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/healthysleep.html)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Library of Medicine)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/spanish\/healthysleep.html)\n- [How Helping Others Helps You](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/help-others\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Mindfulness for Your Health: The Benefits of Living Moment by Moment](https:\/\/newsinhealth.nih.gov\/2021\/06\/mindfulness-your-health)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Institutes of Health)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/salud.nih.gov\/recursos-de-salud\/nih-noticias-de-salud\/atencion-plena-para-su-salud)\n- [Nurture Your Resilience: Bouncing Back from Difficult Times](https:\/\/newsinhealth.nih.gov\/2022\/04\/nurture-your-resilience)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Institutes of Health)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/salud.nih.gov\/recursos-de-salud\/nih-noticias-de-salud\/alimente-su-resiliencia)\n- [Relaxation Techniques: What You Need to Know](https:\/\/www.nccih.nih.gov\/health\/relaxation-techniques-what-you-need-to-know)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)  (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)\n- [Self-Esteem: Take Steps to Feel Better about Yourself](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/self-esteem\/art-20045374?p=1)   (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/self-esteem\/art-20045374?p=1)\n- [Stay Positive](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/stay-positive\/)   (Mental Health America)\n- [Take Care of Your Spirit](https:\/\/mhanational.org\/resources\/take-care-of-your-spirit\/)   (Mental Health America)\n\n## Find an Expert\n- [American Psychiatric Association](https:\/\/www.psychiatry.org\/)\n- [National Institute of Mental Health](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/)  ![From the National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/nih.png)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/espanol)\n- [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration](https:\/\/www.samhsa.gov\/)\n\n## Teenagers\n- [Gratitude (For Teens)](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/gratitude.html)   (Nemours Foundation)\n\n## Women\n- [Steps to Good Mental Health](https:\/\/womenshealth.gov\/mental-health\/good-mental-health\/steps-good-mental-health)   (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/espanol.womenshealth.gov\/mental-health\/good-mental-health\/steps-good-mental-health)\n\n## Patient Handouts\n- [Improve Your Emotional Well-Being](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/emotional-well-being\/improve-your-emotional-well-being\/)   (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)\n- [Relaxation techniques for stress](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000874.htm)   (Medical Encyclopedia)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/spanish\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000874.htm)\n\n## Topic Image\n![How to Improve Mental Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/Howtoimprovementalhealth_topic.jpg)\n\n## Related Health Topics\n- [Mental Health](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/mentalhealth.html)\n- [Stress](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/stress.html)\n\n## National Institutes of Health\nThe primary NIH organization for research on How to Improve Mental Health is the [National Institute of Mental Health](http:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/)\n\n## Disclaimers\nMedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. MedlinePlus also links to health information from non-government Web sites. See our [disclaimer](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/disclaimers.html) about external links and our [quality guidelines](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/criteria.html).\n\nThe information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.\n\nLearn how to cite this page\n\n- [About MedlinePlus](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/about\/)\n- [What's New](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/whatsnew\/)\n- [Site Map](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/sitemap.html)\n- [Customer Support](https:\/\/support.nlm.nih.gov\/knowledgebase\/category\/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from=https%3A\/\/medlineplus.gov\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html)\n\n- [Subscribe to RSS![RSS](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/feed.png)](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/rss.html)\n- [Connect with NLM](https:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/socialmedia\/index.html)\n\n- [NLM Web Policies](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/%20https:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/web_policies.html)\n- [Copyright](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/about\/using\/usingcontent\/)\n- [Accessibility](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/accessibility.html)\n- [Guidelines for Links](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/about\/using\/criteria\/)\n- [Viewers & Players](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/plugins.html)\n- [HHS Vulnerability Disclosure](https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/vulnerability-disclosure-policy\/index.html)\n- [MedlinePlus Connect for EHRs](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/medlineplus-connect\/)\n- [For Developers](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/about\/developers\/)\n\n[National Library of Medicine](https:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/) 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services](https:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/) [National Institutes of Health](https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/)\n\nLast updated December 2, 2025\n\n[![Return to top](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/images\/return-top.png)](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/howtoimprovementalhealth.html#top \"Return to top\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"Also called: Boost Emotional Wellness, Improve Emotional Health, Stay Positive\n\nSummary\n\n### What is mental health?\nMental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle [stress](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/stress.html), relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from [childhood](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/childmentalhealth.html) and [the teen years](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/teenmentalhealth.html) through adulthood and [older age](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/olderadultmentalhealth.html).\n\n### Why is mental health important?\nGood mental health can help you:\n\n- Cope with stress\n- Be physically healthy\n- Have good relationships\n- Make meaningful contributions to your community\n- Work productively\n- Realize your full potential\n### How can I improve my mental health?\nThere are many ways to take care of your mental health, including:\n\n- **Staying positive**, which is the habit of seeing the good in situations and expecting things to work out well. Some ways to build a positive outlook include:\n  - Finding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. These emotions can help you deal with problems. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to dwell on bad memories or worry too much about the future.\n  - Trying to hold on to good feelings when you have them.\n  - Limiting exposure to negative information. For example, take breaks from the news or social media if they make you feel upset. Use social media to connect, not to get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others.\n- **Practicing gratitude**, which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. Practicing gratitude can help you notice moments when you have positive emotions, even during stressful times.\n- **Taking care of your physical health**, since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include:\n  - [Being physically active](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html). Exercise reduces feelings of stress and [depression](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/depression.html) and improves your mood.\n  - [Getting enough sleep](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/healthysleep.html). Sleep affects your mood. If you don't sleep well, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night.\n  - [Healthy eating](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/nutrition.html). Good nutrition may help you feel better physically, improve your mood and decrease [anxiety](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/anxiety.html) and stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of [vitamin B12](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/bvitamins.html) and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get enough of the nutrients you need.\n- **Connecting with others**, since strong, healthy relationships may help protect you against stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy.\n- **Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life**, which could be through your job, volunteering, learning new skills, or exploring your spirituality. Having a sense of purpose supports long-term emotional health.\n- **Developing coping skills**, which are methods you use to deal with stressful situations. They may help you be flexible, face a difficult problem, and not easily give up until you solve it.\n- **Meditation**, which is a mind and body practice where you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. Meditation usually involves:\n  - A quiet location with as few distractions as possible.\n  - A comfortable position. This could be sitting, lying down, walking, or another position.\n  - A focus of attention, such as a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or your breath.\n  - An open attitude, where you try to let your thoughts come and go without judging them.\n- **Relaxation techniques** are practices you do to produce your body's natural relaxation response. This response slows down your breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension and stress. Types of relaxation techniques include:\n  - **Progressive relaxation**, where you tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises.\n  - **Guided imagery**, where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused.\n  - **Biofeedback**, where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension.\n  - **Self-hypnosis**, where the practice of using a specific word, image, or cue can help you enter a relaxed, focused state that shapes your thoughts and behaviors in positive ways.\n  - **Deep breathing exercises**, which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths to calm your body and mind.\n\nIt's also important to recognize when you need to get help. Talk therapy and\/or medicines can treat many [mental disorders](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/mentaldisorders.html). Start by talking with your health care provider for advice on where to get care.\n\nStart Here\n\n- [Anger Management: 10 Tips to Tame Your Temper](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/anger-management\/art-20045434?p=1)   (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/es\/healthy-lifestyle\/adult-health\/in-depth\/anger-management\/art-20045434?p=1)\n- [Resilience](https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/resilience?partner=nlm)   (American Psychological Association)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/www.apa.org\/topics\/resilience\/camino?partner=nlm)\n- [Stress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/stress-relievers\/art-20047257?p=1)   (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)\n\n- [Gratitude (For Teens)](https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/teens\/gratitude.html)   (Nemours Foundation)\n\n- [Steps to Good Mental Health](https:\/\/womenshealth.gov\/mental-health\/good-mental-health\/steps-good-mental-health)   (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/espanol.womenshealth.gov\/mental-health\/good-mental-health\/steps-good-mental-health)\n\n- [Improve Your Emotional Well-Being](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/emotional-well-being\/improve-your-emotional-well-being\/)   (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)\n- [Relaxation techniques for stress](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000874.htm)   (Medical Encyclopedia)   Also in [Spanish](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/spanish\/ency\/patientinstructions\/000874.htm)","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	How to Improve Mental Health: MedlinePlus
Meta Description	Your mental health affects all parts of your life. Learn how to improve your mental health through positive thinking, relaxation techniques, and gratitude.
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Boilerpipe Text	Also called: Boost Emotional Wellness, Improve Emotional Health, Stay Positive Summary What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress , relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and the teen years through adulthood and older age . Why is mental health important? Good mental health can help you: Cope with stress Be physically healthy Have good relationships Make meaningful contributions to your community Work productively Realize your full potential How can I improve my mental health? There are many ways to take care of your mental health, including: Staying positive , which is the habit of seeing the good in situations and expecting things to work out well. Some ways to build a positive outlook include: Finding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. These emotions can help you deal with problems. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to dwell on bad memories or worry too much about the future. Trying to hold on to good feelings when you have them. Limiting exposure to negative information. For example, take breaks from the news or social media if they make you feel upset. Use social media to connect, not to get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others. Practicing gratitude , which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. Practicing gratitude can help you notice moments when you have positive emotions, even during stressful times. Taking care of your physical health , since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include: Being physically active . Exercise reduces feelings of stress and depression and improves your mood. Getting enough sleep . Sleep affects your mood. If you don't sleep well, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night. Healthy eating . Good nutrition may help you feel better physically, improve your mood and decrease anxiety and stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of vitamin B12 and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get enough of the nutrients you need. Connecting with others , since strong, healthy relationships may help protect you against stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy. Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life , which could be through your job, volunteering, learning new skills, or exploring your spirituality. Having a sense of purpose supports long-term emotional health. Developing coping skills , which are methods you use to deal with stressful situations. They may help you be flexible, face a difficult problem, and not easily give up until you solve it. Meditation , which is a mind and body practice where you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. Meditation usually involves: A quiet location with as few distractions as possible. A comfortable position. This could be sitting, lying down, walking, or another position. A focus of attention, such as a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or your breath. An open attitude, where you try to let your thoughts come and go without judging them. Relaxation techniques are practices you do to produce your body's natural relaxation response. This response slows down your breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension and stress. Types of relaxation techniques include: Progressive relaxation , where you tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises. Guided imagery , where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused. Biofeedback , where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension. Self-hypnosis , where the practice of using a specific word, image, or cue can help you enter a relaxed, focused state that shapes your thoughts and behaviors in positive ways. Deep breathing exercises , which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths to calm your body and mind. It's also important to recognize when you need to get help. Talk therapy and/or medicines can treat many mental disorders . Start by talking with your health care provider for advice on where to get care. Start Here Anger Management: 10 Tips to Tame Your Temper (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in Spanish Resilience (American Psychological Association) Also in Spanish Stress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Gratitude (For Teens) (Nemours Foundation) Steps to Good Mental Health (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health) Also in Spanish Improve Your Emotional Well-Being (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Relaxation techniques for stress (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in Spanish
Markdown	[Skip navigation](https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html#start) ![](https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/img/us_flag_small.png) An official website of the United States government Here’s how you know Here’s how you know ![](https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg) Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. ![](https://medlineplus.gov/uswds/img/icon-https.svg) Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Locked padlock icon) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. [![National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nihlogo.png)](https://www.nih.gov/ "National Institutes of Health") [National Library of Medicine](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/) [![MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You](https://medlineplus.gov/images/m_logo.png)](https://medlineplus.gov/) Menu - [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) - [Drugs & Supplements](https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html) - [Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/) - [Medical Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/) - [Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html) - [About MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/about/) Search - [About MedlinePlus](https://medlineplus.gov/about/) - [What's New](https://medlineplus.gov/whatsnew/) - [Site Map](https://medlineplus.gov/sitemap.html) - [Customer Support](https://support.nlm.nih.gov/knowledgebase/category/?id=CAT-01231&category=medlineplus&from=https%3A//medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html) - [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) - [Drugs & Supplements](https://medlineplus.gov/druginformation.html) - [Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/) - [Medical Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/) - [Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/encyclopedia.html) [Español](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/howtoimprovementalhealth.html "Español") You Are Here: [Home](https://medlineplus.gov/) → [Health Topics](https://medlineplus.gov/healthtopics.html) → How to Improve Mental Health URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html # How to Improve Mental Health Also called: Boost Emotional Wellness, Improve Emotional Health, Stay Positive ## Summary ### What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle [stress](https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html), relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from [childhood](https://medlineplus.gov/childmentalhealth.html) and [the teen years](https://medlineplus.gov/teenmentalhealth.html) through adulthood and [older age](https://medlineplus.gov/olderadultmentalhealth.html). ### Why is mental health important? Good mental health can help you: - Cope with stress - Be physically healthy - Have good relationships - Make meaningful contributions to your community - Work productively - Realize your full potential ### How can I improve my mental health? There are many ways to take care of your mental health, including: - Staying positive, which is the habit of seeing the good in situations and expecting things to work out well. Some ways to build a positive outlook include: - Finding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. These emotions can help you deal with problems. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to dwell on bad memories or worry too much about the future. - Trying to hold on to good feelings when you have them. - Limiting exposure to negative information. For example, take breaks from the news or social media if they make you feel upset. Use social media to connect, not to get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others. - Practicing gratitude, which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. Practicing gratitude can help you notice moments when you have positive emotions, even during stressful times. - Taking care of your physical health, since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include: - [Being physically active](https://medlineplus.gov/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html). Exercise reduces feelings of stress and [depression](https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html) and improves your mood. - [Getting enough sleep](https://medlineplus.gov/healthysleep.html). Sleep affects your mood. If you don't sleep well, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night. - [Healthy eating](https://medlineplus.gov/nutrition.html). Good nutrition may help you feel better physically, improve your mood and decrease [anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html) and stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of [vitamin B12](https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html) and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get enough of the nutrients you need. - Connecting with others, since strong, healthy relationships may help protect you against stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy. - Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life, which could be through your job, volunteering, learning new skills, or exploring your spirituality. Having a sense of purpose supports long-term emotional health. - Developing coping skills, which are methods you use to deal with stressful situations. They may help you be flexible, face a difficult problem, and not easily give up until you solve it. - Meditation, which is a mind and body practice where you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. Meditation usually involves: - A quiet location with as few distractions as possible. - A comfortable position. This could be sitting, lying down, walking, or another position. - A focus of attention, such as a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or your breath. - An open attitude, where you try to let your thoughts come and go without judging them. - Relaxation techniques are practices you do to produce your body's natural relaxation response. This response slows down your breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension and stress. Types of relaxation techniques include: - Progressive relaxation, where you tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises. - Guided imagery, where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused. - Biofeedback, where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension. - Self-hypnosis, where the practice of using a specific word, image, or cue can help you enter a relaxed, focused state that shapes your thoughts and behaviors in positive ways. - Deep breathing exercises, which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths to calm your body and mind. It's also important to recognize when you need to get help. Talk therapy and/or medicines can treat many [mental disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html). Start by talking with your health care provider for advice on where to get care. ## Start Here - [31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health](https://mhanational.org/resources/31-tips-to-boost-your-mental-health/) (Mental Health America) - [Caring for Your Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) ![Video](https://medlineplus.gov/images/videocamera.gif) (National Institute of Mental Health) Also in [Spanish](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/espanol/el-cuidado-de-su-salud-mental/el-cuidado-de-su-salud-mental) - [Live Your Life Well](https://mhanational.org/resources/live-your-life-well/) (Mental Health America) - [My Mental Health: Do I Need Help?](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/my-mental-health-do-i-need-help) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Institute of Mental Health) Also in [Spanish](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/espanol/necesito-ayuda-para-mi-salud-mental) ## Treatments and Therapies - [Get Professional Help if You Need It](https://mhanational.org/resources/get-professional-help-if-you-need-it/) (Mental Health America) - [Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-and-mindfulness-effectiveness-and-safety) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) - [Tips for Talking with a Health Care Provider about Your Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Institute of Mental Health) Also in [Spanish](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/espanol/consejos-para-hablar-con-su-proveedor) - [Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-effectiveness-and-safety) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) ## Related Issues - [Anger Management: 10 Tips to Tame Your Temper](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in [Spanish](https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434?p=1) - [Resilience](https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience?partner=nlm) (American Psychological Association) Also in [Spanish](https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/camino?partner=nlm) - [Stress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) ## Specifics - [Connect with Others](https://mhanational.org/resources/connect-with-others/) (Mental Health America) - [Create Joy and Satisfaction](https://mhanational.org/resources/create-joy-and-satisfaction/) (Mental Health America) - [Deal Better with Hard Times](https://mhanational.org/resources/deal-better-with-hard-times/) (Mental Health America) - [Eat Well](https://mhanational.org/resources/eat-well/) (Mental Health America) - [Forgiveness: Letting Go of Grudges and Bitterness](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in [Spanish](https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692?p=1) - [Friendships: Enrich Your Life and Improve Your Health](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in [Spanish](https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860?p=1) - [Get Physically Active](https://mhanational.org/resources/get-physically-active/) (Mental Health America) - [Healthy Sleep: MedlinePlus Health Topic](https://medlineplus.gov/healthysleep.html) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Library of Medicine) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/healthysleep.html) - [How Helping Others Helps You](https://mhanational.org/resources/help-others/) (Mental Health America) - [Mindfulness for Your Health: The Benefits of Living Moment by Moment](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/06/mindfulness-your-health) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Institutes of Health) Also in [Spanish](https://salud.nih.gov/recursos-de-salud/nih-noticias-de-salud/atencion-plena-para-su-salud) - [Nurture Your Resilience: Bouncing Back from Difficult Times](https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2022/04/nurture-your-resilience) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Institutes of Health) Also in [Spanish](https://salud.nih.gov/recursos-de-salud/nih-noticias-de-salud/alimente-su-resiliencia) - [Relaxation Techniques: What You Need to Know](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/relaxation-techniques-what-you-need-to-know) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) - [Self-Esteem: Take Steps to Feel Better about Yourself](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/self-esteem/art-20045374?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in [Spanish](https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/self-esteem/art-20045374?p=1) - [Stay Positive](https://mhanational.org/resources/stay-positive/) (Mental Health America) - [Take Care of Your Spirit](https://mhanational.org/resources/take-care-of-your-spirit/) (Mental Health America) ## Find an Expert - [American Psychiatric Association](https://www.psychiatry.org/) - [National Institute of Mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/) ![From the National Institutes of Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/nih.png) Also in [Spanish](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/espanol) - [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration](https://www.samhsa.gov/) ## Teenagers - [Gratitude (For Teens)](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/gratitude.html) (Nemours Foundation) ## Women - [Steps to Good Mental Health](https://womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/steps-good-mental-health) (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health) Also in [Spanish](https://espanol.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/steps-good-mental-health) ## Patient Handouts - [Improve Your Emotional Well-Being](https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/improve-your-emotional-well-being/) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - [Relaxation techniques for stress](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000874.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000874.htm) ## Topic Image ![How to Improve Mental Health](https://medlineplus.gov/images/Howtoimprovementalhealth_topic.jpg) ## Related Health Topics - [Mental Health](https://medlineplus.gov/mentalhealth.html) - [Stress](https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html) ## National Institutes of Health The primary NIH organization for research on How to Improve Mental Health is the [National Institute of Mental Health](http://www.nimh.nih.gov/) ## Disclaimers MedlinePlus links to health information from the National Institutes of Health and other federal government agencies. 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Readable Markdown	Also called: Boost Emotional Wellness, Improve Emotional Health, Stay Positive Summary ### What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle [stress](https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html), relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from [childhood](https://medlineplus.gov/childmentalhealth.html) and [the teen years](https://medlineplus.gov/teenmentalhealth.html) through adulthood and [older age](https://medlineplus.gov/olderadultmentalhealth.html). ### Why is mental health important? Good mental health can help you: - Cope with stress - Be physically healthy - Have good relationships - Make meaningful contributions to your community - Work productively - Realize your full potential ### How can I improve my mental health? There are many ways to take care of your mental health, including: - Staying positive, which is the habit of seeing the good in situations and expecting things to work out well. Some ways to build a positive outlook include: - Finding balance between positive and negative emotions. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions, such as sadness or anger. These emotions can help you deal with problems. But you don't want those emotions to take over. For example, it's not helpful to dwell on bad memories or worry too much about the future. - Trying to hold on to good feelings when you have them. - Limiting exposure to negative information. For example, take breaks from the news or social media if they make you feel upset. Use social media to connect, not to get into arguments, or negatively compare your life to others. - Practicing gratitude, which means being thankful for the good things in your life. It's helpful to do this every day, either by thinking about what you are grateful for or writing it down in a journal. These can be big things, such as the support you have from loved ones, or little things, such as enjoying a nice meal. Practicing gratitude can help you notice moments when you have positive emotions, even during stressful times. - Taking care of your physical health, since your physical and mental health are connected. Some ways to take care of your physical health include: - [Being physically active](https://medlineplus.gov/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html). Exercise reduces feelings of stress and [depression](https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html) and improves your mood. - [Getting enough sleep](https://medlineplus.gov/healthysleep.html). Sleep affects your mood. If you don't sleep well, you may become more easily annoyed and angry. Over the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. So, it's important to make sure that you have a regular sleep schedule and get enough quality sleep every night. - [Healthy eating](https://medlineplus.gov/nutrition.html). Good nutrition may help you feel better physically, improve your mood and decrease [anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html) and stress. Also, not having enough of certain nutrients may contribute to some mental illnesses. For example, there may be a link between low levels of [vitamin B12](https://medlineplus.gov/bvitamins.html) and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet can help you get enough of the nutrients you need. - Connecting with others, since strong, healthy relationships may help protect you against stress. It is also good to have different types of connections. Besides connecting with family and friends, you could find ways to get involved with your community or neighborhood. For example, you could volunteer for a local organization or join a group that is focused on a hobby you enjoy. - Developing a sense of meaning and purpose in life, which could be through your job, volunteering, learning new skills, or exploring your spirituality. Having a sense of purpose supports long-term emotional health. - Developing coping skills, which are methods you use to deal with stressful situations. They may help you be flexible, face a difficult problem, and not easily give up until you solve it. - Meditation, which is a mind and body practice where you learn to focus your attention and awareness. There are many types, including mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation. Meditation usually involves: - A quiet location with as few distractions as possible. - A comfortable position. This could be sitting, lying down, walking, or another position. - A focus of attention, such as a specially chosen word or set of words, an object, or your breath. - An open attitude, where you try to let your thoughts come and go without judging them. - Relaxation techniques are practices you do to produce your body's natural relaxation response. This response slows down your breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces muscle tension and stress. Types of relaxation techniques include: - Progressive relaxation, where you tighten and relax different muscle groups, sometimes while using mental imagery or breathing exercises. - Guided imagery, where you focus on positive images in your mind to help you feel more relaxed and focused. - Biofeedback, where you use electronic devices to learn to control certain body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension. - Self-hypnosis, where the practice of using a specific word, image, or cue can help you enter a relaxed, focused state that shapes your thoughts and behaviors in positive ways. - Deep breathing exercises, which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths to calm your body and mind. It's also important to recognize when you need to get help. Talk therapy and/or medicines can treat many [mental disorders](https://medlineplus.gov/mentaldisorders.html). Start by talking with your health care provider for advice on where to get care. Start Here - [Anger Management: 10 Tips to Tame Your Temper](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) Also in [Spanish](https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20045434?p=1) - [Resilience](https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience?partner=nlm) (American Psychological Association) Also in [Spanish](https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/camino?partner=nlm) - [Stress Relievers: Tips to Tame Stress](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257?p=1) (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research) - [Gratitude (For Teens)](https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/gratitude.html) (Nemours Foundation) - [Steps to Good Mental Health](https://womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/steps-good-mental-health) (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health) Also in [Spanish](https://espanol.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-mental-health/steps-good-mental-health) - [Improve Your Emotional Well-Being](https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-well-being/improve-your-emotional-well-being/) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - [Relaxation techniques for stress](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000874.htm) (Medical Encyclopedia) Also in [Spanish](https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/patientinstructions/000874.htm)
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