Build a Super Brain!

Taking care of your gray matter involves a spectrum of strategies. Luckily, there's some simple stuff you can do right now to improve how you think and feel every day.

- By Gregory Scott Brown

MEDS AND THERAPY are great and all, but a growing body of evidence-based science has found that the small things you do in a day-basic self-care-are also strong medicine for your mind. This is especially good to tune in to now, when the demand for therapy is growing but it's hard to get in. See a mental-health pro if you need to, of course, but know that the five self-care strategies here are essential for achieving mental wellness. Here's how to get started in each.

1 FIND YOUR RELIGION

I LOVE TO ask my patients, “What do you think about spirituality? because it almost always leads to deeper discussions about connection, purpose, and the meaning of life. Often they will smile politely and say, Oh, but I'm not religious. Embracing your spirituality doesn't have to be about religion (although it can). It means accepting that you have value and that your life matters. It also means acknowledging that your life is part of something bigger than yourself. That connection can offer a sense of calm and a sense of peace.

GET STARTED: Prayer and meditation are common ways to tap into your spirituality. I also advise patients to engage in another kind of spiritual practice: selfless service. That can be as simple as walking dogs at a shelter or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Even small acts of kindness have been shown to increase optimism and feelings of being in control. Selfless service can also foster a greater sense of connection with people around you.

2 FEED YOUR MENTAL HEALTH