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Even though the use of technology today is almost unavoidable, such as in school, there are many benefits to deconnecting from screens for a bit, or just reducing screen time. Spending less time on our phones or watching tv can lead to a better quality of life, as you get to focus more on what's in front of you such as hobbies, friends, or family. It also just lets your brain take a break, which leads to being happier and experiencing less worries or anxiety. Amount and quality of sleep can also be positively affected.

During the break, I plan on only using my laptop for necessary college things and studying, and to put my phone down for most of the time if I can. I think I definitely could use this right now as I've been using up way too much time with unnecessary distractions and not doing what I want to.

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Journal writing is a positive mental health practice that could help a ton because experts have proved that it copes with depression, anxiety and stress. Journal writing consist of writing about your day and how your day went. Writing about your problems and thoughts instead of bottling them up into your mind is a huge benefit you get from journal writing. It copes with your depression by letting your mind talk about your problems. The same reason can also improve your anxiety according to the Mental Health Association.

People can plan the practice of journal writing by buying a journal that they like. Format matters a lot by how you want to organize your thoughts. People plan their journal by writing about experiences, drawing, crafting, write about your problems, write about your day. It will slowly help your day and increase your mental health happiness\.

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Positive Mental Health Running

Running is scientifically proven to make you happier. It releases endorphins and serotonin. Endorphins are chemicals produced by your body to relive stress and pain. Running also improves your memory and makes it easier to learn. There is going to be a alot of people over at my house and running can be used as an escape and a chance to get time to myself.

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Meditation is an extremely beneficial practice for mental health and wellness. According to Mayoclinic, meditation bolsters a sense of calmness and balance that increases mental well-being. These benefits can last for a full day. Meditation can also benefit those who deal with illnesses like heart disease, chronic depression, cancer and asthma.

I used to meditate for five minutes every day. Over the Thanksgiving break, I intend on restarting this tradition and meditating every day after waking up and before going to bed. I hope this will help with my mental health.

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Doodling, especially during boring classes or movies, is extremely beneficial. It improves memory, proven by a Harvard study in which people who doodled recalled 29% more information from a voicemail than those who did not. It also provides a way to let out frustration through fidgeting. It helps people stay awake, and keeps your brain working longer. Doodling is, overall, very good for mental health and productivity. Relieving psychological distress by doodling is a common way to let out emotions or feelings that may be weighing us down. During fall break, I will doodle on paper without breaking my pen to let out emotion.

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Regular exercise can have a positive impact on your mental health. Research shows that modest amount of exercise can make a big difference in dealing with stress. Physical activity releases endorphins in your brain and it also helps to relax your muscles and relieve tension in your body.

I plan to exercise everyday for 20 minutes. This should help my mental health by having more energy, feeling happier, and being more relaxed.
(Piotr Weglicki)

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one way to help your mental health is to make art. making art can help lower stress levels and promote mental calmness. it helps people express their feelings without using words and can help you let go of your feelings and fears. over the break I can make art every now and then as a break from things to get away from any stress.

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Exercising regularly or daily is very beneficial for our mental and physical health. Specifically for mental health, it can help for depression, anxiety, and stress. It is proven that exercise boosts our mood by increasing our endorphin levels. This causes feelings of happiness and decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression. Physical activity also increases our body temperature which can calm our mind and help us fall asleep faster at night. However, you shouldn't exercise too close to when you are going to sleep. Increasing your heart rate can also reverse stress-induced brain damage by stimulating the production of neurohormones like norepinephrine.

I plan to use this practice during break as a way to stay active and use the extra time I have on break to support and take care of myself. Exercising will be beneficial for my body and mind and will also give me something fun to do when I get bored.

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One positive mental health practice I do is reading. Reading helps lower stress levels by 68%. Reading allows you to enter a space of peace and dissolve away into another persons story. Studies show people who read gain multiply perspective therefore allowing them to understand others better in the real world. Gaining a new hobby such as reading, acts as a good way to escape from life for those few pages.
During and after the break, I plan to read to not only distress, but to allow time to flow away. Since I won't be doing anything, getting immersed in an adventure  is a great way to past time. Not only will I get the benefits of being entertained, my vocabulary will expand. Reading also allows me to enter a community with others who've also read the same thing. It's great a great way to bond with others.

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Do video games improve mental health-Brandon Z

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Do video games improve mental health-Brandon Z

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From a study from Microsoft done in May, 84% of people said it positively impacted their mental health and 71% said it helped them feel less isolated. Video games provide connections, providing a critical aspect of mental health, making you feel like a part of something. Additionally, unlike mental health, video games aren't stigmatized. They are very mainstream meaning they are very common.

The main reason why I researched this topic was that every day, the first thing when I come back home after school is go on my bed and play video games. I was wondering if this was just me, but I was able to find others that also relax with video games.

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Sleep is one of the most important things to do for your mental health. During the sleep, especially REM sleep, the brain processes emotions and situations without the increase adrenaline you have during the day. So, if you get enough sleep you will have a better memory and less irritable. This is because the amygdala, the part of the brain which processes emotions, is 60% more active when you don't get enough sleep making emotions more intense. Research shows that sleep helps us process the world more accurately and 3 night without it can lead to  perceptual distortions, hallucinations, and delusions.

Over break is a great time for everyone to catch up on sleep and improve their mood for the holiday. After break, setting a bedtime for yourself will help you sleep more. Humans tend to be more productive in the morning, so you'll be able to get more done then. Time management will also allow you to sleep more. I see my mood overall better the more I sleep.

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How Does Walking Outside Improve Mental Health? -Remington Yang

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How Does Walking Outside Improve Mental Health? -Remington Yang

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Sometimes when I feel stressed and complain to my parents, they simply tell me to "go outside and walk around". Although I don't always listen, they are actually right! Exercising outside lets your brain rest from the hours of studying, working, and watching shows. Exercising releases endorphins, boosting mood and helping one feel better. In fact, just 20-30 minutes outside significantly lowers your stress and cortisol (steroid hormones released with stress) levels.

Over thanksgiving break, I plan to try to go outside more since I no longer have as much to study or after-school activities. On another note, I also feel happier to finally start studying what I want to instead of only for school (I enjoy learning about physics and calc). Since my parents also have more time off their job, they can take us to places to hike, bike, etc. My goal is to be outside for at least an hour per day over break, exercising and having fun!

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Mental Health Practice: Baking - Luiza Jernigan

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Mental Health Practice: Baking - Luiza Jernigan

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Using baking as a healthy mental health practice is a positive way to cope with mental health issues. It requires focus, which can help alleviate feelings of depression and anxiety by setting your mind on the tasks at hand. Baking is also a great way to express yourself and be creative. Research shows that sharing the results of your baking with friends or family can strengthen social bonds. When you have adequate social bonds, it can build your self-confidence and personal sense of value. Baking is a way you can take control of what happens; everything that happens is in your own hands, giving you a sense of control. Having a sense of power is known for alleviating feelings of helplessness.

I plan on using baking as a healthier coping mechanism, especially during the holidays. I enjoy both the process of making the food, as well as sharing the product with others. I hope to get back to making time to bake more often, especially in weeks where I have a lot going on.

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Surfing boosts my mental health because when your out there your all alone in the ocean and all you can do is focus on that next wave that next moment on whats going to happen.  sometimes going out with friends is fun to do too because than you have a big group of surfers and its good laughs all around.   i think everyone should try surfing because its a good way to clear the mind espicially in the morning to be able to walk across the street and go out at 6 or 7 in the morning is a really good start to the week or day. one way im going to try to practice that is going to the beach over break and try to get out in the water.

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Something I have done for years is regular self care. Everynight before bed I do a lengthy skin care routine while listening to music. It helps me take care of myself in a way that helps both my physical and mental self. "When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy." (National Institute of Mental Health) It works because you are dedicating time to improve yourself.

Over break, I am going to try to help my family improve on their self care. It heavily releives stress and is beneficial to all.

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exercising is good for both mind and body. Exercising can keep people in shape, refresh the mind, and improve thinking. You can achieve this by going for runs, bikes rides, or walking.

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Taking a break, all of have a little too much on our plates sometimes. Weather its schoolwork to catchup on or your job/commitment. When worrying about these things we become stressed quite often. Hence even taking a five minute break, taking and hour or so, or even a week(end). Taking a break from your life and just exploring something new or just relaxing with your friends and family can be very beneficial towards your mental and social health. Sometimes all of us need a little timeout. Thankfully, We have thanksgiving break coming up right around the corner. So take the extended weekend and do something that puts a smile on your face!

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What works: protect your mental health and prevent problems
Protecting our mental health is easier than you might think. We can all do it every day, and with simple activities that help us feel OK, we're better able to cope with life.
It's a bit like brushing your teeth daily - important in preventing problems. It's the same for our mental health. It can also be fun!

Each of our tips has been created to help us look after our mental health, and, importantly, each is backed up by evidence from research, including the Mental Health Foundation's ground-breaking study.

Our tips will be easier for some and harder for others. Why not give them a try and see which ones suit you best?

Trying new things can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but they usually get easier the more we practise them.

One thing to remember: none of us is perfect. We all have our limits. What's good enough for you is great.

Get closer to nature
We all live with worries and fears, uncertainties, losses that leave us sad and pressures that make us feel stressed.
Nature can have a really calming effect on us. We have been living around other animals and plants for thousands of years. Some people say nature helps them feel calmer, more hopeful and less alone. Our research found that going for a walk was the UK adults' favourite way of coping with stress during the pandemic in 2020.

In Japan, some people use "forest bathing", which may improve their mental health. So going to a forest or wood and experiencing the different smells, sounds and textures may really help. To get the best out of nature's healing effects, try tuning your senses to what's around you - the trees, plants, birds and animals, for instance, and water such as ponds or the seashore. Take a deep breath and see how you feel. The idea is to get connected with your natural surroundings.

For more information and ideas, see our guide Thriving With Nature, produced by the Mental Health Foundation and wildlife charity WWF.

Learn to understand and manage your feelings
Feeling very upset can interfere with our lives, making it hard to think clearly or work, relax, study, sleep or deal with other people.
Many of us will know when we're upset but not be sure what we're feeling. Is it sadness, fear, shame, loneliness, anger or something else? We don't always know why we're feeling that way.

It often helps to give our feelings our attention without judging them, without telling ourselves we're stupid or weak to feel the way we do. It may seem strange and uncomfortable to do this. But practice and patience with ourselves will help.

Naming what we're feeling is also likely to help. So, we can say to ourselves: "I'm feeling really irritable today but also sad." Another helpful step can be to work out what has led to us feeling this way - might it be a disagreement or disappointment that you've had? Some women might find that their periods sometimes (or always) affect their moods.

Talking kindly to ourselves, in the same way, we might reassure a small child we care about, is also important. It can be very comforting. You might feel uncomfortable initially, but give it a go - it might just help.

Some people feel better if they write down their feelings in a notebook or on their phone. You might want to think about how to protect your privacy before doing this.

You could try repeating something positive about yourself a few times each day. (This is sometimes called a "mantra". "I am on a journey, growing and developing", for example.) Research shows this reduces negative thoughts and feelings.

Some people also feel that an activity called " mindfulness " is helpful. Talking with someone else can also be helpful - and that's our next suggestion...

Talk to someone you trust for support
Many of us have learned to bottle things up inside us and try to ignore painful feelings. It can take a lot of courage to tell someone else how we're feeling or what we're finding hard, especially if we don't usually do that kind of thing.
Just talking things through with a person we trust can help and feel like a relief.

Use your own words. It'll make you feel safer and less alone, and that will help protect your mental health and prevent problems.

Talking may also change how you see and feel about the situation in ways you find helpful.

Another possible benefit is that talking may strengthen your relationship with the person you speak with. This will benefit both of you and make it easier for them to turn to you when they need support themselves.
Information about talking with friends about your mental health Information about talking with a health professional about how you're feeling
Be aware of using drugs and/or alcohol to cope with difficult feelings
Many of us sometimes use drugs to block out "difficult" feelings such as sadness, fear or shame.
No one wants to feel bad; for some people, drugs and/or alcohol offer temporary relief.

Unfortunately, they don't stop the feelings from returning and may make things worse or create other problems, including damage to mental and physical health, relationships, work, or study.

If you think you may be using drugs or alcohol to cope with difficult feelings, it may help to notice it without beating yourself up about it. Being understanding and kind to yourself is good for your mental health.

A possible next step could be to talk with someone you trust or one of the charities that offer confidential, free information and advice, including how to reduce the harmfulness of using drugs. Have a look at Talk To Frank, for example.

You could also look for other ways of coping with painful feelings, such as getting help with the situation causing them, if possible, and finding a trusted person to talk with. This could be a friend or relative, a colleague, a person working for a charity helpline, your GP or a counsellor.

Many charities around the country offer low-cost or free therapy. Find more detailed information about getting help with your mental health from many potential sources.

Some people find it helps to go to "anonymous" meetings, such as Narcotics Anonymous, to share with others who have/had similar experiences. Some of these meetings are also now online.

Try to make the most of your money and get help with debt problems
Money problems can be unavoidable, and we may have no choice about being in debt.
Fears about paying debts, bills and essentials such as food and electricity can be very stressful. If we feel responsible for sending money back home or are the only earner in our household, we may feel burdened and isolated.

Feelings like this can make it harder to cope with everything, including the money problems themselves.

There are things we can do to help prevent financial problems causing issues with our mental health.

We might feel ashamed of what we're going through, which may make it harder to tell anyone, leaving us feeling alone with it.

The truth is, we're never alone with money problems. Research shows they are one of the most common and serious sources of stress for many people.

Even if our finances are impossible to change, sharing our fears with another person who's not involved and who you trust is likely to help us feel less alone and overwhelmed. This may help us to see new ways forward.

If we are struggling financially, including with debt, it can be helpful to talk about it with an expert at a charity that offers free money advice. They are very experienced with what can go wrong with people's finances and what may help.

It can be really helpful to ask for help before any debt becomes unmanageable. But getting help will benefit everyone.

Here is a list of organisations that offer free advice about financial problems, created by the charity Money and Mental Health.

Talking with one of these free, expert advisers could also lead to you finding out about new possibilities, such as benefits you're entitled to, your legal rights, ways to reduce the size of your debt repayments and other ways to save money.

Get more from your sleep
Anyone who has struggled with sleep will know what a difference it makes to our bodies, minds and ability to cope with life.
We all have times when we sleep badly, and some of us live in situations that make a good night's sleep impossible.

For many people, sleep is often the first thing that suffers when we're struggling with our mental health.

Adults need between 7 and 9 hours' sleep a night, including enough dreaming sleep and enough deeper sleep.

If you're struggling with your sleep, think about making a few simple changes.

For example:

Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to help you start winding down before you actually go to sleep

Avoid TV and mobile screens, alcohol and caffeine before bed. This will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. You could also avoid vigorous exercise before bed.

Go to bed and get up at around the same time every day, including weekends.

For more suggestions, try this guide to sleep and mental health. It includes information about potentially helpful apps and getting professional help if self-help isn't working for you.

Be kind and help create a better world
If you have ever felt lonely, you will know how much it helps to have even a small connection with someone else.
Exchanging a smile or friendly words can be comforting and lift our mood.

Research shows that being kind is good for both sides. Being kind can boost our mood, help us feel more capable, strengthen our connections with others and even make us cope better with stress.

If you don't know where to start, you could try small but meaningful acts of kindness, such as offering a smile or a few kind words to another person. You could make their day but also feel better for it - friendly connections with others are vital for our mental health.
More inspiration about acts of kindness
We can also help others by doing volunteer work and getting together with other people to work for good causes. These things can help us feel connected with others and the world around us. It can give us the sense that we can make a difference. All of this is good for our mental health.

Keep moving
Our bodies and minds are connected, so looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health (it works the other way around, too).
Moving our bodies - with sport, gardening, dancing, cycling, walking the dog, cleaning or going to the gym, for example - are great ways to improve our mental and physical health.

Exercise releases "feel good" hormones that reduce feelings of stress and anger. It also helps us feel better about our bodies. It can improve our sleep too. If it involves other people, like being part of a team, a class or a group we see regularly, that can also boost our mental health.

We don't have to be professional athletes, or sporty, to get the benefits of being physically active. From walking to dancing and basketball to the gym, the best exercise is simply the one we enjoy.

Eat healthy food
Food and drink affect our bodies, brains and mood - for good or bad.
Sugary snacks and drinks can give us a temporary "high" or sense of comfort that can feel irresistible. But they soon leave us feeling exhausted or jittery. Caffeine in coffee, tea, or so-called energy drinks can also have this effect.

A balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruit is essential for good physical and mental health.

How we eat is also important. Having meals with other people can help to grow relationships - with family, friends, partners, and colleagues. This is really important in protecting everyone's mental health and preventing problems.

Food can also get mixed up with our feelings. Some people over-eat or under-eat when they are upset. It may help to talk to someone we trust and get professional support if we need it.

Be curious and open-minded to new experiences
We can all get stuck in familiar ways, like how we spend our time and what we think about ourselves and the world.
This can be self-fulfilling, with our expectations influencing what actually happens, for good or bad. For example, we might say to ourselves: "Things never get better" or "I'm useless" as a response to what others have said to us.

It can help to notice these thoughts and try out new ones, such as "I can change things for the better" and "there is so much I can do".

Life can feel more interesting, lively and rewarding when we are open to trying new experiences and experimenting with how we do things.

It could be as simple as what we have for breakfast or the route we walk with the dog. It could also need some planning, like an adventure holiday. We might find a new place that it turns out we love, discover a talent we didn't know we had or meet someone new and important.

Plan things to look forward to
Life throws all sorts at us, and during hard times, we may feel hopeless and not have the energy to plan for the future.
Things to look forward to, including fun activities, can help us cope with difficult situations.

Making plans for things we enjoy can increase our sense of hope, which is important for our mental health. Our plan could be for anything from small pleasures, like a cup of tea or your favourite TV programme or dance class, to a trip with family or friends, or seeing your favourite film, sports team or singer.

Whether it's a small or a big one, the important thing is to plan it.

Decide what you'll do, when and with who and, if needed, book it. It's important to follow your plan - and repeat...

Support and information

Confidential help and support

Counselling

General health information

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Our best mental health tips - backed by research

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Protecting our mental health is easier than you might think. We can all do it every day, and with simple activities that help us feel OK, we're better able to cope with life. It's a bit like brushing your teeth daily - important in preventing problems. It's the same for our mental health.

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Yoga involves a mixture of both meditation and breathing which can improve a persons well-being. Doing this regularly has a result of mental clarity and decreased anxiety. It will relieve stress and sharpen your concentration. I can do this practice over break to help with stress and anxiety.

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Laughing is good for your mental health. It can soothe tension in your body. It's like you're releasing all of your stress through laughter. You wash away the stress with a natural antidepressant. Dopamine is a chemical that gets released to brain. One way I will improve my mental health is watching the Office and Seinfeld all day during and after break.

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Taking a break from school is a great way to decompress; especially during the upcoming Thanksgiving break. 69% of people don't utilize sick days, even if they are sick. There is a misconception that taking a break from school means you are weak and dumb. This isn't true. Taking a break from work and engaging in hobbies that you enjoy can help boost your mental health and even in the long run your productivity.

I plan to use this break to look away from school for a couple days and spend time with family and friends. This will support my mental health as it will help take my mind off school and the stress it brings.

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Research a positive mental health practice (as we have before). Find a practice which you would be willing to try...

Write at least a paragraph describing this mental health practice and providing supporting evidence as to how it actually works to enhance someone's mental health.

Next, explain how you plan to use this practice going into break and after break to support you own mental health.