15 Ways to be a Better Version of Yourself from a Mental Health Therapist

Try these 15 ways to become a better version of yourself.

In the journey of personal growth, we often find ourselves seeking ways to become better, happier, and more fulfilled versions of ourselves. As a mental health therapist, I’ve witnessed countless transformations and have identified key practices that consistently lead to positive change. These 15 strategies aren’t quick fixes or temporary solutions—they’re sustainable approaches to nurturing your mental wellbeing and creating lasting positive change in your life. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for growth, these therapist-approved methods will guide you toward becoming the person you aspire to be.

1. Create Better Habits

   • Drink more water

   • Learn how to enjoy cooking healthy meals

   • Spend time walking

   • Get a good amount of sleep each night

2. Be Picky About Your Friendships I am not saying cut off your friendships tomorrow, but we know that forming a secure attachment means being around safe people. If you are not safe to be your authentic self, you may need new friends.

3. Reframe Your Thoughts. This practice changed my life. I would have negative thoughts rolling around in my head about myself. When I started righting the thoughts down I realized how much those thoughts were impacting my motivation and perspective. I spent time to take the negative thoughts and then replace each one with a reframe. For instance, “I am not organized” I replaced it with “I am working on becoming more organized”.

4. Take Time for Self-Reflection. Set aside a few minutes each day to journal or meditate. This practice helps you connect with your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to process experiences and gain clarity about your values and goals.

5. Practice Setting Boundaries. Learning to say “no” when necessary protects your energy and time. Healthy boundaries in relationships help you prioritize your wellbeing while still being kind to others.

6. Embrace a Growth Mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. A growth mindset allows you to develop resilience and perseverance, helping you bounce back from setbacks stronger than before.

7. Cultivate Gratitude. Take time each day to acknowledge what you’re thankful for. This simple practice shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life, improving your overall outlook.

8. Prioritize Movement You Enjoy. Find physical activities that bring you joy rather than forcing yourself into exercise you dread. When movement feels good, you’re more likely to make it a consistent part of your routine.

9. Limit Social Media Consumption. Be intentional about when and how you use social platforms. Setting time limits can reduce comparison and protect your mental health while still allowing you to stay connected.

10. Learn to Validate Your Own Feelings. Practice acknowledging your emotions without judgment. Self-validation builds emotional intelligence and reduces the need for external approval.

11. Invest in Continuous Learning. Dedicate time to learning new skills or exploring topics that interest you. This keeps your mind sharp and opens doors to new opportunities and perspectives.

12. Create a Calming Morning Routine. How you start yor day sets the tone for everything that follows. Develop a morning ritual that centers you and prepares you mentally for the day ahead.

13. Practice Self-Compassion Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a good friend. Self-compassion reduces harsh self-criticism and fosters a healthier relationship with yourself.

14. Declutter Your Physical Space Your environment affects your mental state. Regularly clearing physical clutter creates space for clarity and reduces unnecessary stress.

15. Give and Receive a Hug Whether you hug your partner, you child, a friend or your furry family member giving a hug with give your brain a dopamine hit. Changing your life one day at a time takes consistency and doing something different. Take this list and make it a goal to try out a few of these. One great way to create better habits is by using the Abundantly More Daily Planner. I created this planner for an easy way to check in with your habits, goals, and daily tasks. Don’t snooze on this tool. I use it myself each day but I created it with you in mind!