10 {Vital} Habits to Improve Mental Health

Practicing good habits to improve mental health is a way of life. By living out the mental health tips shared in this article, you’ll be better equipped when stressful situations or seasons come your way.

All of the habits to improve mental health in this article are grounded in God’s Word and Bible verses are listed. God’s Word is rich with His best for His children.

One of the most fascinating things about the Bible is it’s timeless truths. The Bible has offered the best habits to improve mental health long before secular research stressed the importance of mental health and wellness.

In this article, I will outline the top 10 habits to improve mental health (originating from the Bible). Whether you are battling anxiety, depression, stress or anything else – these 10 tips will help!

Let’s dive in! This list of habits to improve mental health is in no particular order. All are vital to good mental health and wellness.

It was really hard to narrow down the list to only 10 tips. Don’t forget to leave more tips in the comments at the end of this article.

10 Habits to Improve Mental Health

1. Practice Gratitude

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:18

In recent studies gratitude has been proven to increase happiness by a whopping 25%. The leading researcher, Robert Emmons says, “Gratitude blocks toxic emotions such as envy, resentment, regret and depression, which can destroy our happiness. It’s impossible to feel envious and grateful at the same time.”

I love when science reveals the benefits of living out God’s will. The Creator has been calling His people to live and cultivate an attitude of gratitude long before modern research touted the benefits.

So how do we practice this habit to improve mental health? There is a number of ways. First, when praying, don’t skip taking a moment to thank the Most High for His wonderful gifts. Second, start a gratitude journal. Save this pin for a list of gratitude prompts on Pinterest for later. Finally, tell someone about your blessings.

2. Forgive Those Who Hurt You

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32

Forgiveness is an overlooked practice that actually has a ton of benefits for you! That’s right – we have so much to gain when we are willing to choose forgiveness. Because forgiveness is so often misunderstood, it’s not extended.

Forgiveness is commanded by God. When we accept Christ, we receive unconditional forgiveness through Christ. We are released from the punishment of our sin. Forgiving our enemies as a choice to release others from our punishment and entrust the offense to God. Check out “Scriptures on Forgiveness” and get a free guide on biblical forgiveness.

Holding grudges will keep us from healing and moving forward. Without healing, the enemy gains a foothold and bitterness and resentment will grow.

If you’re challenged by this habit to improve mental health – check out the complete forgiveness workbook. Additionally, go to this article and get the free worksheet to help you process through your pain.

3. Focus on the Good

“Rejoice always,” -1 Thessalonians 5:16

This habit to improve mental health has been remarkably him impactful in my own life, especially during difficult seasons… this is why…

Think about the last movie you watched. Notice how the same scene was shot from different angles? When we are faced with stressful or difficult situations we tend to see it through one angle.

 Usually, that angle is focused on the discomfort or the thing we want to change. Imagine, for a minute, a different angle. Perhaps, choosing a camera angle with a positive lens. Focusing in on the good things in the midst of a difficult season is how we find the good.

By doing this, we actually retrain our brain to find the good in each circumstance. This isn’t magical thinking, pretending difficulties don’t exist. But, it is pulling back the view to see all angles.

By finding the good we get really good at fixing our thoughts on Jesus. He is good – always present, comforting and providing despite the difficulties we face.

4. Take Thoughts Captive

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. -2 Corinthians 10:5

Have you ever heard – “Change your thoughts, Change your life”? The way we think is really powerful. Do you have any thoughts that need to be taken captive? Worry, negativity, fear, over thinking, beating yourself up – any of these thoughts run through your mind? Thoughts like these steal our joy and peace constantly.

Our thought life is where our emotions originate. In other words, your thoughts drive your emotions. Consequently, emotions drive actions. All of this happens as a result of a thought! Can you see why taking thoughts captive is so important?

Check out the free e-course to take every thought captive!

5. Be Still

He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the Earth.” -Psalm 46:10

Being still or living in the present isn’t a recent revelation, but it is a good habit to improve your mental health. The wisdom of God’s Word spoke of it long before modern psychology boasted it’s benefits. The difference for Christians is right after “be still”, it says “know that I am God”.

Admittedly, being still before God is not one of my strengths. However, when I am still before Him- I rest. I’m able to meditate on His goodness and all that He does. Peace washes over me in ways I can’t explain.

A few tips to be still that I have found help me…try to be still first thing in the morning, before the world races in. Before picking up your phone to see notification you missed in the night (this one is hard for me). Second, set a timer for just a couple minutes to get you started. Once you master that, begin extending the time! Finally, and most importantly- begin with prayer. Ask God to help quiet your mind and heart, enabling you to be still and know He is God!

6. Renew Your Mind (daily)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:2

There is nothing and no one in this world that can help you transform your life and relationships like the Bible. Make time to be in Gods Word daily. In my experience – Scripture transforms me in ways I don’t even realize until it’s already done.

One of the benefits of living in a modern internet world is the endless number of tools out there to help you get started with Bible study. On this site you can download printable soap notes or the 3 question method – both work on any passage.

7. Pray

Pray continually. -1 Thessalonians 5:17

We have a God that once relationship with his people. Prayer is talking with God. Boldly walk into the throne room is a privilege belonging to children of God. Exercise that privilege through confession, giving thanks, adoration and making requests. God is always ready to hear your heart – He’s never too busy, tired or out of the office!

8. Rest

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. -Mark 2:27

Over packed schedules lead to burn out. Even God rested after creation on the 7th day. Creating white space on your calendar helps you grow personally and spiritually. Periods of rest improve relationships in your life – both with God and the people He is appointed to your life.

According to Mark 2:27, rest was created for all of mankind. Sabbath literally means to stop or cease. How are you creating space in your schedule to stop and grow spiritually?

9. Journaling

While I don’t have a Bible verse to quote for this one, I do want you to consider this… research indicates significant benefits of writing. Writing things down enhances our ability to process information.

Journaling also supports the habits to improve mental health in this article. Consider starting a gratitude journal to count your blessings. Prayer journals help to track what you’re praying for and how God has answered. Process journaling, helps work through difficult events or seasons and life. Regardless of what type of journaling you do, you will likely find yourself experiencing improved mental health with this habit.

10. Seek Godly Counsel

Listen to advice and accepted discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. -Proverbs 19:20

There are times in everyone’s life that we benefit from an outsider’s counsel. However, counsel must be from someone who walks with God (Proverbs 13:12). Many are blessed with a “seasoned in faith” Christian friend or relative. Pastoral counseling through a difficult season is another way to seek godly counsel. Finally this site offers Christian counseling and coaching both online and in office. Also check out this link to find a Christian therapist in your area.

10 Habits to Improve Mental Health Recap

Choosing only 10 habits to improve mental health was so hard to narrow down! Quick recap, in no particular order:

1. Practice Gratitude

2. Forgive

3. Focus on the Good

4. Take Thoughts Captive

5. Be Still

6. Renew Your Mind

7. Pray

8. Rest

9. Journal

10. Seek Wise Counsel

What would you add to the list? Leave it in the comments to help others!