6 Simple Mental Health Habits Every Busy Parent and Creative Should Adopt Today
6 Simple Mental Health Habits Every Busy Parent and Creative Should Adopt Today
Small, Consistent Actions to Protect Your Peace and Boost Your Creativity
Mental health is as vital as physical health.
Yet, too often, it’s pushed aside—especially for busy parents, creatives, and solopreneurs who feel like they must always be "on." Today, on World Mental Health Day, take a moment to assess your mental well-being.
The truth is, taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. It’s about finding small, consistent actions that fit into your already busy life and make a lasting difference.
Here are six simple mental health habits you can start adopting today.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
If you don’t protect your time, no one else will.
Let your family know when you need time to recharge. It could be 30 minutes of alone time in the morning or an hour in the evening. Make it a rule that during this time, you’re not to be disturbed.
Setting boundaries helps create the mental space you need to thrive.
2. Take Micro-Moments of Rest
You don’t need hours to recharge; even small moments count.
Throughout the day, take 1-2 minute breaks to breathe deeply, stretch, or simply close your eyes. These micro-moments can reset your focus and reduce stress, even when you’re pressed for time.
A few seconds of intentional rest can shift your entire mood.
3. Disconnect From Devices
Constant notifications drain your focus.
Pick a time each day when you put your devices away—whether it’s family dinner or the hour before bed. Disconnecting gives your mind space to reset, letting you be more present in the moment.
A little less screen time means a lot more mental clarity.
4. Practice Daily Gratitude
Gratitude rewires your brain for positivity.
Take a minute each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for. It could be anything—a moment of calm, a smile from your kid, a favorite song. Over time, this practice shifts your focus from stress to appreciation.
Gratitude makes even hectic days a little brighter.
5. Move Every Day
Movement isn’t just for your body—it’s for your mind.
Whether it’s a quick walk around the block, a yoga session, or a game of tag with your kids, find time to move. Physical activity releases tension and boosts creativity, giving you more mental clarity.
A bit of movement keeps you sharp and energized.
6. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Aim for 7-8 hours a night. Build a simple bedtime routine to wind down—no screens, maybe a book, or some soft music. When you’re well-rested, everything else gets easier.
Good sleep is the foundation of good mental health.
These habits aren’t complicated, but they’re powerful. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your mental health improve.
One strategy that has been very helpful for me this year is journaling, with bullet journaling proving especially helpful.
From Ryder Carroll’s newsletter this week:
We believe the Bullet Journal is not just a tool for organizing your external world but also a powerful companion for exploring your internal landscape. This practice helps us gain clarity and reflect on how we’re feeling, why we’re taking certain actions, and what truly matters to us.
By using your Bullet Journal to filter out the noise of “shoulds” and distractions, you can dive deeper into the “Why” behind your thoughts and actions. These introspective rituals allow us to create not just more time in our external lives but also a greater sense of calm and clarity in our minds.
He also goes on to mention this pretty cool initiative:
Since January, we have been partnering with Beam to donate 1% of your purchases (at no extra cost to you) to nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in areas like mental health. In honor of World Mental Health Day, we’re doubling that impact for all purchases made until October 11th. You can help support StrongMinds, a nonprofit offering group therapy for depression. Simply select StrongMinds at checkout, and we’ll take care of the rest.
With that, I am an affiliate partner of Bullet Journal, so if the above interests you, be sure to click on this link, and you can get 10% off of your purchase for this great cause.
Also, if you find yourself worrying a lot, Bullet Journal put together a great resource called the Worry Decision Tree (it’s a PDF in a Google Doc).
For further resources, be sure to check out these too:
🎥 Journaling for a Healthy Mind
🎥 Create Self-Care Instructions
📘 How to not fall down a feelings rabbit hole
Thank you as always for your time, and hopefully the information above can be of value to you.
Certainly, if you know of any others who you think could benefit, by all means, please be sure to hit the heart button on this post as it will help others discover it, and be sure to share it on your platforms as well, or email a copy.
As one of my favorite creators always likes to end their videos with,
“Please, take care of yourselves.”