How to Improve Your Mental Health with Small Daily Habits in St. Louis

By: Dr. Secil Schodroski

11/5/2024

Life in St. Louis, Missouri, keeps us all busy, but if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it’s essential to focus on your mental health. Here at The Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis, Dr. Secil Schodroski and her team know that even the smallest daily habits can make a big difference in your mental well-being. We’re here to help the St. Louis community prioritize mental health and wellness through approachable, manageable steps.


Why Small Habits Matter for Mental Health in St. Louis

Mental health is deeply personal, but the strategies that can improve it don’t have to be complex. For our St. Louis patients managing busy lives, simple, daily habits create lasting change without a significant time commitment. These habits help build resilience, improve mood, and reduce stress—especially in the fast-paced lifestyle that many St. Louis residents experience. Small, consistent steps add up to a healthier, happier you, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.


Simple Daily Habits for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Here are some practical tips to help improve your mental health, tested and recommended by The Health and Wellness Center for our St. Louis community. Each of these tips can make a difference for your mental health, no matter where you’re starting.


1. Start Your Day with Gratitude

Kicking off the morning with gratitude can help shift your mindset and set a positive tone for the day. It’s a quick, easy practice that works wonders for mental wellness.


How to Do It: Each morning, jot down three things you’re grateful for in a notebook or on your phone.

Why It Works: A gratitude habit can help manage stress and shift focus to the positives, helping many of our St. Louis patients feel more optimistic throughout the day.

2. Move Your Body Daily

Regular movement, even for just 10-15 minutes, boosts endorphins and relieves stress. And here in St. Louis, we’re lucky to have many beautiful parks and green spaces for outdoor activity!


How to Do It: Walk around your neighborhood, visit a St. Louis park, or do a few stretches at home.

Why It Works: Exercise releases feel-good hormones that help improve mood, making it a powerful tool for mental health improvement.


3. Set Small, Realistic Goals

Setting small, achievable goals builds a sense of accomplishment. Even simple tasks can create a routine that boosts mental well-being over time.


How to Do It: Choose one or two small goals daily, such as drinking an extra glass of water or making your bed.

Why It Works: Meeting small goals creates a sense of progress, a helpful tool in managing mental health that many St. Louis patients find beneficial.


4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about staying present, and it can be as simple as a deep breath. The Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis recommends mindfulness exercises to help our patients reduce anxiety and increase calm.


How to Do It: Try pausing for a few moments each day to take a deep breath and observe your surroundings.

Why It Works: Mindfulness brings awareness to the present moment, helping you manage stress without becoming overwhelmed.


5. Prioritize Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is foundational to mental health, and a good sleep routine can make a big difference in mood, focus, and stress management.


How to Do It: Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, aiming for seven to eight hours of sleep.

Why It Works: Good sleep supports mental clarity, reduces irritability, and provides energy to handle the demands of daily life in St. Louis.


6. Connect with Friends and Family

Social support is essential for mental well-being. Connecting with others helps reduce feelings of isolation, and as we know in the St. Louis community, relationships can make all the difference.


How to Do It: Plan a coffee chat, call, or visit with a friend or family member in St. Louis.

Why It Works: Social connections provide comfort, validation, and encouragement, boosting mental resilience and emotional strength.


7. Limit Screen Time

Reducing screen time is vital in our digital world, especially for those who experience information overload or feel stressed from constant notifications.


How to Do It: Set a screen-free hour in the evening to unwind and connect with the real world around you.

Why It Works: Reducing screen time can improve focus, sleep, and reduce stress levels, which is helpful for those in St. Louis managing busy lifestyles.


Make Mental Health a Priority in St. Louis

Mental health care is within reach, and it doesn’t have to mean drastic changes. By integrating small, meaningful habits into your daily life, you’ll build a foundation of resilience and balance. At The Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis, Dr. Secil Schodroski and her team are here to support you on your mental health journey with both expert guidance and compassionate care.


Our commitment to the St. Louis community goes beyond treatment; we’re here to help you thrive by building habits that foster mental well-being. If you’re ready to explore additional mental health support, or just want to talk through some of these tips, reach out to The Health and Wellness Center today.


* Start Small and Take Action Today

* Practice Gratitude Daily by listing three things you’re thankful for each morning.

* Plan a “Screen-Free” Hour each evening to unplug.


Contact The Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis to schedule a consultation if you’re ready to explore professional mental health support.


About the Author

Dr. Secil Schodroski, DNP, FNP-C, is a certified family nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice with over 20 years of medical experience. Inspired by her early family caregiving experiences, she has dedicated herself to helping the St. Louis, Missouri community achieve optimal health. Through her work at The Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis, Dr. Schodroski serves as a trusted resource for mental health and overall well-being.


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* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.