AS we head into shorter days, it is an appropriate time to check out the state of our health, both physical and mental. Take some time out of your schedule, sit down and consider how you are living your life, question if you are doing the best for yourself, and make changes if necessary.

The following is a list of healthy habits for mental fitness. You should consider them as means of fighting your stress and getting mentally fit. Don’t feel overwhelmed and imagine that you have to implement them all this week. However, it is a good idea to take the first step, and build slowly towards your ultimate target.

Remember that your happiness will positively affect those around you, especially those nearest and dearest to you. If you find, at any time, that you are troubled, reach out and speak to someone you trust. If that is something you are not comfortable with, or you feel that you are being overwhelmed in any way, then speak with a professional. Your doctor will be able to help, or point you in the right direction.

1. Spend some time with yourself daily

Spending time with yourself, and listening to your inner soul, is one of the best ways to cherish yourself. Never underestimate the importance of giving some time to make yourself happy, enjoying and loving your presence. When you love and care for yourself, other people will also love you.

So, always give value to yourself, and keep appreciating yourself for good deeds you are doing. Do not underestimate the power of a few minutes which you spend with yourself. It will bring a lot of positive changes to your life.

2. Appreciate and reward yourself for achievements

Do the things which make your mood fresh and help you to feel happy. Always focus on the things which motivate you. Appreciation can boost morale, so keep appreciating yourself.

Never forget to reward yourself for the achievements of life. I love some time, even 15 minutes, to do a crossword over a cup of coffee.

3. Be realistic with who you are

You should accept yourself, even your faults and flaws. Focus on your strengths and not on your weakness. You have to be sincere about the capabilities and powers that the universe has granted you. Do not feel bad for the strengths that you wish you had. Just be you.

4. Do not feel bad to ask for help, and offer help

Sometimes things become tough and you may be unable to manage a situation. In such cases, you can ask for help from your loved ones. It is vital to ask someone for help when you when you are in any critical situation.

If you are in trouble and do have not enough energy to fight the problem, just move ahead and ask for help. Keep helping others too, as reaching out to someone can be balm for your soul.

5. Focus on a healthy and balanced diet

Always eat a healthy and balanced diet. Feel the happiness of selecting, cooking and eating food which you prepared with your own hands. Add fruits and vegetables to your daily diet because they are full of minerals and vitamins. They help your brain to function properly, optimize its function, and keep illness away. Eat a balance of red meat, nuts, fish, dairy products and seeds, among other items, for a healthy diet.

6. Adopt a positive attitude during tough times

Stay optimistic during a difficult situation. That can be hard, but it is a huge help. Do not get panic or get depressed when things are not going well. Adopting a positive attitude helps you to fight issues from your past and your present.

Trust in the universe and in yourself and never put yourself down due to problems.

7. Do exercises for relaxing and get adequate sleep

Relaxing your body with exercise is the best way to release anxiety. Exercise relaxes, resets and recharges your mind and body. This helps you feel more energetic and powerful. Mental fitness can be replenished by activity.

8. Set goals and start working towards making them a reality

Setting goals for the future is an important step you can take for a better life. Be sincere with yourself and do not waste your time on useless pursuits. When you set a goal, and work for its fulfilment, it will bring satisfaction and happiness to your mind. This can really boost mental fitness.

9. Get regular physical activity

Physical and mental fitness can be improved by exercise and physical activity. They make your body active and enhance physical as well as mental fitness in the following ways:

10. Meditate daily

Daily meditation can have a positive and desirable effect on your mental fitness. Meditation removes stressful and negative thoughts. It creates a positive and happy mood, and also makes it easier to focus on a specific thing, and to efficiently process your thoughts. Mediation is one of the best ways of boosting your mental health.