Creating positive habits benefits both your mental and physical health. Having positive habits can also help you get through life's ups and downs. 

What are some examples of positive habits? 

• Exercising. If you don't already have a form of exercise that you enjoy, try different things to see what feels best to you. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program. 
• Nourishing your body. Our bodies need food and water every day, giving you many opportunities to create positive habits around what you consume. For example, you might try replacing one beverage with water each day. Or you might want to try eating five servings of vegetables and fruits per day. 
• Getting enough sleep. Your body and your brain need sleep to recharge. Having a routine can help create positive sleep habits. 
• Connecting with others. Be aware of your communication needs and practice telling others what you need to communicate with them. You may also need to remind them if they are not used to communicating with you on a regular basis. 

How can you create positive habits? 

The key to creating a habit is repetition. To help you remember to practice a new behavior until it becomes a habit you can try different tools and see what works for you. One tool is using reminders on your smartphone or using apps that support your goals. You could also write notes and post them on a door or a mirror. It is also important to set achievable goals. This makes it more likely that you can repeat the behavior until it becomes a habit. For example, if you want to create a new exercise habit, you might decide to start with a five minute walk every day. 

For more ideas, see Creating Healthy Routines from Mental Health America. 

When to ask for help

Although positive habits can be a useful tool for improving your overall health and resilience, there may be times you need additional support. If you have concerns, check out the Signs of needing help from SAMHSA. 

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division has mental health specialists and community partners available to support your mental health care. For more information, please contact us.