10 Empowering Mental Health Tips For Women

At some point in our lives, we all encounter difficult times. While it’s common to experience difficult emotions, it doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. It’s important to have tools in your toolbox to care for your mental health. Here we cover 10 actionable tips you can use to help care for your mental health. 

1. Make Self-Care a Priority: While we all know self-care is important, it’s easy to put it at the bottom of our to-do list when life gets busy. Dedicating just an hour a week to something you enjoy, without distractions, can help fill your cup and make you feel more energized.  
2. Move Your Body: Exercise can be a powerful mood booster. Instead of viewing exercise as something you “have” to do, try viewing it as something you “get” to do. Treat it as a positive investment in yourself. Focusing on movement that makes you feel good is what’s most important – whether that’s dancing, walking, Pilates, or any other exercise.  
3. Challenge Negative Thoughts: It’s common to have negative thoughts, but it’s important that we don’t let the negative self-talk take over. When you experience a negative thought, allow yourself the time to process it, but then try reframing it by replacing it with a more positive thought. It can be helpful to write down negative thoughts to get them out of your head or talk it through with a friend or therapist. 
4. Connect with Others: Humans are social creatures. Evidence shows that building and maintaining connections with friends and family can benefit our overall health by helping fight off feelings of loneliness, sadness, and anxiety. Making time to catch up with loved ones, whether it’s a brief phone call or in-person visit, can help boost our mood and help us feel connected to the world around us.  
5. Embrace Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Meditating for just 10 minutes a day can help you to feel more grounded and help you reframe your mindset.  
6. Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no! Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with work, family, and even friends. Protect your time and energy for what makes you feel good. 
7. Fuel Your Body: We’ve all heard the saying, “you are what you eat.” That’s why filling your body with healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats is important. Healthy foods can help us feel more energized and improve brain function. It’s best to limit processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.  
8. Celebrate Your Everyday Wins: When we’re juggling so much, it’s easy to ignore our wins and only focus on what’s next on our to-do list. Take time to acknowledge your accomplishments, big and small. Did you recently complete a project at work? Celebrate it by sharing with a friend! Reach a new fitness goal? Celebrate that too! 
9. Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful tool to help us shift away from negative thoughts and focus on the positive things in our life. You may find it helpful to keep a journal and jot down three things each day that they are grateful for. 
10. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to find support outside yourself. It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and there are resources that can help you! Axia Women’s Health now offers convenient, counseling and behavioral health care from licensed mental health providers. Whether you are seeking counseling support through acute challenges and stress, or medication management, our team of licensed professionals are here to help you right away in your time of need.  

Remember, you are worthy of prioritizing your mental health. By incorporating these tips into your life, you can create a foundation for strength, resilience, and overall well-being. And as always, remember there is a world of resources out there to support you, including your Axia Women’s Health team!