It would be the understatement of the century to say the last year has been difficult. No one expects to live through a global pandemic. Our lives were turned upside down in the blink of an eye, and there was nothing we could do to stop it. Everyone’s mental health took a beating. Suddenly we were separated from our friends and family, forced inside to shelter away from an enemy that we couldn’t see. We’ve all suffered and dealt with problems, but becoming the victim isn’t the solution. If you want to improve your mental health, the way to do it is through small and manageable steps every day.

Plan Your Day: The first thing you need to do is to take control of your day. It’s easy to feel like you’re living through Groundhog Day. The night before, you want to sit down and write out a schedule. Set an alarm on your iPhone (two or three if you hit the ‘snooze’) and start from there. Make a list of at least two or three things that you want to accomplish during the day. It could be something as simple as doing your nails or sending off a series of work emails. 

You want to establish a routine and bring meaning to your day. Doing things like your skincare routine are as much for your self-care as they are for your wellness.

Be Grateful`: Sometimes, we all forget how privileged we are. Every day there is something you should be grateful for. It might be getting an iced coffee from your favourite café or ordering those shoes you’ve been stalking for months. Keep a gratitude journal and write down 2-5 things every day that you’re grateful for. This process will help give you a new perspective and show you that every cloud has a silver lining. On days when you’re feeling low, you can flick through your gratitude journal and see everything have to be thankful for. 

You can treat yourself to a customised journal from a brand like Papier to make it a more personal experience – treat it like a diary and take it with you everywhere. 

Do Something For You: Often, the only person that can change how you feel is yourself. You can take control of your mental health by knowing when to stop and do something for yourself. It can be as simple as taking an evening to catch up on your favourite Netflix show or ordering takeout from the Italian down the street. Instead of waiting for someone to treat you to something, do it yourself. 

You’re the only person you can guarantee to make you happy. Organise a date night with yourself and soak for a while in a bubble bath with a glass of your go-to drink, whether it’s Diet Coke or champagne. Turn on a film, do a face mask, paint your nails – do whatever it is that makes you happy.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. Making yourself the victim, and waiting for someone else to rescue you, isn’t going to work. Start small with these three steps, and you’ll start to see the difference in how you approach everyday life.