There are 4 things that can improve your ability to handle life, stress, and mental illness.  We have been told this over and over, but they seem small and insignificant.  However, these little to-dos can make a big difference.

1.  Get Some Silence:  Sit in quiet without background music or other noises.  Let your mind rest without input from over sources. Time without input lets you learn more about what you want, need and the whys. This information will help you to follow your own path and find more happiness.
2. Get Some Nature:  Spend time outside. Walk in a wooded area or park.  Sit by a lake or river, you can sit by a fountain if you live far from other sources. Look out a window at the sky. Put up a bird feeder by your window. Grow a houseplant. You are part of the natural world, reconnect.
3. Get Enough Sleep:  Sleep is important for your body to rest and recover. Sleep is also important for you brain. During sleep the mind takes the opportunity to reprocess your day’s activities and emotions.  The right amount of sleep will make a difference in how you handle stress.  Always choose sleep over one more episode of Law & Order.
4.  Get Moving: Your body needs to move to be healthy and your mind needs this too.  You don’t have to live at a gym. A walk around the block is aerobic exercise. Do something to challenge your muscles. There are videos and ideas on Youtube. How about some gentle movement like yoga or tai chi? Moving improves your brain’s chemistry.