I reflected on this question and oscillated between how and why. Then, I thought, the how was much better than the why because the why will get me into a spiral. How has a much simpler approach, and I can simply list the ways I do value my mental health rather than provide just one reason why.

The reason I’m discussing this during Sag season is that this sign occupies my 2nd house. I don’t have any planetary placements in Sag, but I have Cap planets in the 2nd! And since it’s the 2nd house, it’s the house of values! Mental health has been a topic that’s close to my heart since 2014. 

Not sure if I’ve already shared it, but I’ve been seeing a mental health professional (although I’ve switched between various ones over the years) since 2014. Plus, I’ve taken some steps, thanks to the mental health professionals I’ve talked to, to improve my mental health.

Looking back now, in the 11 years I’ve been seeking mental health help, I’ve really grown. Plus, neuroplasticity is real! I’ve changed some beliefs. I mean, the anxiety and occasional depressive episodes don’t go away. However, I’ve taken leaps of progress since 2014, and I would like to move forward to do better things.

Without further ado, here’s how I value my mental health!

1. Talk to a mental health professional

I have to admit, this is unfortunately not applicable to everyone. Seeking help from a mental health professional is like a privilege because it’s expensive. Honestly, I do hope that it can be affordable and accessible to everyone. However, I work best with a professional. 

Fortunately, I’m at a point where I don’t need monthly sessions since I can manage by myself. However, when things get overwhelming, I contact my counselor and schedule a session with her. I wouldn’t go into detail about my sessions with her. Let’s just say, it becomes eye-opening and reflective.

2. Exercise

I wanted to do a separate post on this, but for now, I’ll spend a few paragraphs on how this helps my mental health. I started my exercise journey when I hit rock bottom in 2014. Since I didn’t have a job, exercise helped me feel better.

When I got employed, I had some difficulties inserting time for exercise because I focused on work, and I have bad time management skills. Fast forward to today, I do find the time. I will not elaborate yet.

Going back, exercising has greatly improved my mental health. Aside from the endorphins, of course, I think exercise helps me decompress or gives me pause from a day dedicated to seating and lounging in bed. 

My goal is to exercise at least 3x a week just so I can feel like I’ve done some movement during the week. I try not to pressure myself, as well. I honor my body and what I can do for the day. Plus, during the weeks I’m sick, I don’t exercise, and when I get the chance to do so, I start light and move up to a level that works best for me.

3. Meditate

I’ve mentioned this in my habits post. My goal is to meditate every day before sleeping. I admit, I use this to help me sleep. But I believe meditation has long-term effects, especially with anxiety and focus. 

For instance, I’ve observed that I’ve become less anxious (knocks on wood because what if I suddenly have an anxiety episode because of work HAHAHA). Anyway, I also notice how I’ve become more mellow and try not to react immediately, like angrily or sadly. I try to process or take a look at the situation first before I react and respond.

4. Rest

I’ve read somewhere that doing nothing helps with your mental health. I don’t really do nothing. I rest, which some people may equate to doing nothing. I suppose in this case, it’s about shutting off your brain for a couple of hours and just enjoying detaching from your daily activities. I do my best to dedicate one day where I rest for myself. Usually, I binge-watch or catch up on Netflix or D+. I try not to talk to anyone because it’s a day for me, although it’s impossible when you live with your family. Still, I focus on what I watch and consider that rest.

5. Recharge energy for socialization

I’ve already mentioned this to friends, but I tell them when I can’t engage or talk to them. I try not to say when I will come back. However, this does wonders for my mental health. I’m not gonna lie, I have a lower social battery than usual. I’ve discussed this previously here. However, sometimes I admit I can’t be there all the time for people. I find my work life taxing sometimes and experience other life challenges, and I need time to recharge for myself at the end of the day. What I do here is I give time for myself and decompress. When I’m feeling much better, I come back and engage.

Final Thoughts

These are just the top five ways I value my mental health. I’m sure there are more, but I’ve developed these habits over the years, and the formula works! I don’t want to change anything yet, but I want to applaud myself for maintaining these habits. I’ve hesitated for number 2 or 3, but I’m happy I continue working on these to improve my mental health.

Quick Farewell to 2025

Since I’m not doing an extensive farewell post for 2025, I want to say thank you and goodbye to 2025 early on. There are still 15 days until the end of the year, but I’m happy I survived 2025, which is something I don’t hope to say in 2026. Honestly, I want to live and savor each day in 2026. I do hope that 2026 is kinder to everyone. I’m just thankful that 2025 has taught me so many things, and it made me brave to make major life decisions. Anyway, to everyone reading this, an advanced Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you!