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When we think about what we can do, or should do, to take better care of ourselves, we often jump to thinking about our physical body and how we need to rearrange our schedules or wake up hours earlier to find enough time for a trip to the gym or to prepare healthier home-cooked meals, but what if you could boost your happiness, improve your immune system, prolong your life, ease your stress and increase your productivity with just a few minutes a day, without leaving the comfort of your home or office?

Your physical health may be important, but equally important is your mental health. While there are several lifestyle changes you can make to improve your mental wellbeing, such as getting more sleep, being more active and avoiding alcohol and other drugs, there are also many smaller things you can begin doing today, and every day, to improve your mental health, reap the benefits and better prepare yourself for life’s bigger challenges.

9 Easy Things You Can Do Daily for Your Mental Health

These are all things you can easily incorporate into your daily routine with just a few short minutes and minimal effort. Taking small steps like these toward better mental health can be fun and may even set the stage for bigger and better changes in your life. Make sure to always consult with your mental health professional before adopting any new therapeutic practices.

We’ve scoured the internet and selected a few of the quick, fun and easy things you can do for a #MentalHealthMoment, but first, coffee!

Photo for mental health tips
Start your day with a cup of coffee

Studies have found that the caffeine present in coffee contributes to significant decreases in a person’s risk of depression. The caffeine present in tea also has protective effects against depression, but is less effective than coffee.

Image of coffee
Indulge in some dark chocolate

Studies have found that regular consumption of dark chocolate significantly lowers the odds of clinically relevant depressive symptoms. In a cross-sectional survey of over 13,000 US adults, people who ate dark chocolate in the past 24 hours were 70% less likely to report depression. It doesn’t take much to achieve these positive effects – the dark chocolate consumers in the study ate a little less than half an ounce. To maximize the health benefits, try eating dark chocolate made of 70% cocoa or more. This minimizes your calorie and sugar intake.

Image of dark chocolate
Journal your way to mental health

Get it out of your head and onto paper! Studies have found expressive writing to be a useful therapeutic tool for survivors of trauma and in psychiatric settings. Journaling can boost your mood, enhance your sense of well being and reduce symptoms of depression.

Image of journaling
Soak up the sun

Studies have found that the rate of serotonin production in the brain is directly related to the duration of bright sunlight on any given day, with higher levels on bright days than on overcast or cloudy ones.

Image of Soaking up the sun
Get Creative

Studies have found that creative expression and exposure to the arts have wide-ranging effects on cognitive and psychosocial health. Engaging in art activities may even delay cognitive decline in very old age.

Image of how to Get Creative
Connect with Nature

Studies have found that taking a walk through nature produces measurable benefits for your mental health and may even reduce the risk of depression. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, found that participants who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area showed decreased activity in the region of the brain associated with depression when compared to people who walked in a high-traffic urban setting.

Image of Nature Nurtures
Dance like no one is watching

Studies have found that dancing is a mood booster and improves mental health and cognitive skills, with positive effects lasting long after the music has stopped.

Image of Dancing
Laugh it up

Studies have found that laughter activates and then relieves your stress response, as well as triggers the release of endorphins, leading to positive, relaxed feelings and soothed tension.

Image of Laughing
Play with Your Pets

Studies have found that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets and playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.

Image of Playing with Pets
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What's New
Thriving Mind Trauma Recovery Efforts Cited in Report Detailing Historic Drop in Homicide in Miami-Dade
August 14, 2025
A report released Wednesday, August 13th, states Two Miami-Dade ZIP Codes Experienced Historic Drops in Homicide. That report cites three community partnerships, including Thriving Mind, that resulted in more safety in the region.
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Senator Rouson Visits Thriving Mind-funded programs
August 12, 2025
Senator Darryl Rouson, a Democrat who represents the 16th District of Florida, visited South Florida recently to meet with Thriving Mind South Florida, some of its healthcare provider organizations and tour new programs funded by the Department of Children and Families and Thriving Mind.
View Article
Suicide Risk by Population
June 12, 2025
While anyone can experience suicide risk, some populations experience more negative social conditions and have higher rates of suicide or suicide attempts than the general U.S. population.
View Article
Peer Spotlight: Arianna's Story
June 2, 2025
Peer Spotlight: Arianna's Story
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Congrats to Key Clubhouse on its Mental Health Luncheon
May 14, 2025
Congrats to Key Clubhouse on its Mental Health Luncheon
View Article
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A network of exceptional mental health and substance use treatment providers

Everyone can feel “blue” on occasion. Whether Everyone can feel “blue” on occasion. Whether it is the result of the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or the ending of a relationship; feelings of sadness or grief in response to these situations is perfectly normal. Depression, however, is more than just sadness.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/get-help/mental-health
Thriving Mind’s Ana Harris, Adult System of Care Thriving Mind’s Ana Harris, Adult System of Care Specialist, and Karol Diaz, Housing Coordinator, attended the City of Miami Lakes Fall Festival.
Talking about suicide is the first step in prevent Talking about suicide is the first step in preventing it. By challenging misconceptions and stopping the stigma around mental health, we can have conversations that lead to recovery for those who are struggling.
Click here for resources: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Join us, during #PreventionMonth (October) and yea Join us, during #PreventionMonth (October) and year-round, as partners in prevention! Visit: www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/prevention/campaigns-events #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Early prevention is critical. Visit: www.samhsa.go Early prevention is critical. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Studies have found that pet owners are less likely Studies have found that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets and playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
Click here for resources: www.thrivingmind.org
11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon 11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon 

On October 16, 2025, the South Florida Wellness Network, one of our valued providers, hosted its 11th Annual Global Peer Celebration Day Luncheon at their Miami site. The event brought together community members, advocates, and professionals to honor the transformative work of peer support in behavioral health and recovery.

Attendees enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter, food, and heartfelt connection, all set against a festive autumn-themed backdrop. Among the guests were Derek S. Moore, the Thriving Mind Peer Services Manager, whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration across peer-led initiatives in South Florida.

Also in attendance was The Honorable Donald "DJ" Cannava of the Domestic Violence Drug Court, accompanied by his dedicated staff. Their participation highlighted the growing recognition of peer support within the judicial system and its role in fostering recovery and resilience among individuals navigating complex life challenges.

The luncheon served not only as a celebration but as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, compassion, and shared lived experience.
Take control of your mental health. Mental Health Take control of your mental health. Mental Health America offers a free online screen test.

Tome el control de su salud mental. Mental Health America ofrece una prueba de detección gratuita en línea.

https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
From our friends @namimiami 💙✨ Updated Supp From our friends @namimiami 

💙✨ Updated Support Group Calendar at NAMI Miami-Dade

We’re excited to share our updated support group calendar, now available with all the latest information to help individuals and families navigate living with a mental health condition. Our peer-led groups, facilitated by individuals with lived experience, provide safe and welcoming spaces to share stories, build connections, and offer support.

Whether you’re looking for virtual, in-person, or specialized groups, we’ve got something for everyone. Our updated flyer makes it easy to find the group that best fits your needs! To register or discover more information, head to NAMIMiami.org/SupportGroups.

We’re also proud to highlight Caregiver Connection, an in-person space for caregivers to meet one-on-one with a Family Mentor for support and guidance. This program meets every Monday from 12:00–2:00 pm at NAMI Miami-Dade, offering a safe, understanding environment to talk, reflect, and get advice on navigating the challenges of caregiving.

For more details, explore our updated flyer or head to NAMIMiami.org/SupportGroups to find the group that best fits your needs. ✨💙
Thriving Mind | South Florida promotes access to e Thriving Mind | South Florida promotes access to effective, accountable and compassionate care for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. We fund and oversee a safety net of services for uninsured individuals in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties with support from the State of Florida, Department of Children and Families, and other public and private sources.
Click here for help: www.thrivingmind.org
Thriving Mind’s CORE Network consists of a Fire Thriving Mind’s CORE Network consists of a Fire Rescue, a hospital, along with other receiving facilities.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
Jackson Behavioral Hospital
Agape Network
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami – Behavioral Health Services at St. Lukes Center
New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
The Village South, Inc
New Hope CORPS, Inc.
Banyan Health Systems
Comprehensive Psychiatric Center 
Douglas Gardens Community Mental Health Center

Go here for more info: https://thrivingmind.org/initiatives/opioid-treatment-miami
Prevention works by strengthening protective facto Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― at multiple levels. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Something to look out for when concerned that a pe Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. These signs are of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. Pay attention and listen.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Do the youth in your community know that most of t Do the youth in your community know that most of their peers don’t use substances? Learn about social norms: www.hidta.org/adapt/prevention-intervention-resource-center #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth #MyPreventionStory
Take these daily actions to care for your mental h Take these daily actions to care for your mental health, and with the 988 Florida Lifeline, get your health back on track.
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/crisis-support
Prevention works by strengthening protective facto Prevention works by strengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors ― in individuals, families, schools, communities, society. Visit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth #PreventionMonth
Studies have found that taking a walk through natu Studies have found that taking a walk through nature produces measurable benefits for your mental health and may even reduce the risk of depression. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, found that participants who walked for 90 minutes in a natural area showed decreased activity in the region of the brain associated with depression when compared to people who walked in a high-traffic urban setting.
Click here for help: www.thrivingmind.org
Healing together is easier than fighting alone. S Healing together is easier than fighting alone. 
Sanar juntos es más fácil que luchar solos.

https://thrivingmind.org/csoc

https://www.myflfamilies.com/988

https://namimiami.org/
Are you or someone you love a victim of a crime (s Are you or someone you love a victim of a crime (shooting, stabbing, etc.)? Thriving Mind has a special program to help people recover from trauma?
Click here for help: https://thrivingmind.org/initiatives/trauma-recovery
Your voice has power. Share your #MyPreventionStor Your voice has power. Share your #MyPreventionStory during #SubstanceUseAndMisusePreventionMonth: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/substance-use-prevention-month #PreventionMonth
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