Mental Health Awareness Month is not until May. However, now that the second semester has started, it’s just as essential to check on our mental health.

Having a strong and healthy mental health is proven to boost your happiness and positivity, help you cope with difficult situations, and overall allows you to function at your full potential. Factors like stress from school, negativity, and other social factors can affect our mental health. So, how can we improve our mental health?

1.) Talk to someone. Whether this is a friend, family member, or a professional, letting your emotions out relieves stress. These conversations can be good or bad, either way by talking to someone you don’t bottle your thoughts up and overstress yourself.

2.) Stay active. Exercising does not suit everyone. However, activity is good for the brain and for the body. Even taking a morning walk is proven to boost your mental health significantly, and also help with your emotional health and improve memory.

3.) Sleep. Staying up, and playing video games may be a blast, however getting a good night’s sleep allows your body and brain to rest and recharge for the next day. In addition, it’s suggested to not look at blue light (cellphones, TV, laptops, etc.) before you go to bed.

Don’t forget to go easy on yourself if things become too difficult, and take things step by step.