Mental health is an important issue and a constant in people’s everyday lives. It could be anxiety over your next exam or you just can’t seem to fight off a bad mood.  No matter what seems to bother you, there are a plethora of ways to cope. Listed below are some helpful tips to, hopeful, find your cure.

1. Music- Music is a big part of everyday lives. Whether it plays on the radio or you’re having your own jam out session; it feeds emotions in every way. But, along with its variety of rhythms and unique beats, it also has been scientifically proven to help people with Mental Illnesses. Music interacts with the neocortex of our brain. This causes a chemical to send calming waves through our nerves. All of it stems from the repetitive aspects and rhythms of the songs we listen to. Frank Ocean once said “ When you are happy you enjoy the music, but when you are sad you hear the lyrics.” Understanding this can also assist you in better understanding what you are feeling. We tend to migrate to songs that reflect our mood. As a result, we can connect with the lyrics and help ourselves recognize what has caused this feeling. 
2.  Reading- Reading has been around for many, many years. It was founded in the 6th century by the Saxons and has adapted with us through the changing of our times. Although it is a required taste, reading can be an essential part of dealing with Mental troubles. Following a story and getting lost in the paragraphs can help take your mind off what is troubling you. It also helps build up muscle memory and strengthen your vocabulary. Picking a story can be important too. There are major selections of books in the world, and some have been written to help readers like yourself overcome difficult situations. Finding a character you relate to can help you grow mentally and socially; helping you find people that may suffer from similar issues. 
3.  Talking- Talking about your emotions can be a difficult thing, especially when you feel like there is no one who understands. But, if you find yourself feeling miserable, talking about random things may be your fix. People like your friends and family may not get what you are trying to say, and that’s okay. Maybe you just need someone to tell you jokes, or about a funny incident that day. You will find that the thoughts troubling you slip away; even if it is for a little why. 
4.  Daydreaming- Getting lost in the clouds can be acceptable, if you know the right time for it. Thinking about your favorite T.V or book and putting your favorite characters through the same experiences you go through can help you cope with your problems. It can give you a little hope that somewhere someone is dealing with the same task and it helps you feel less alone. If you tend to drift off too often, though, you can cause issues. One way to help with this is to take up writing. Putting your daydreams on paper can help you stay focused and keep your mind occupied. You also never know, maybe your story will be the next best selling book?
5. Art- The final tip I have for you is art. This can help in a variety of ways because it is not just one thing. Art branches off to many activities like pottery, drawing, sculpting, or even taking pictures. Finding a hobby can benefit your mind, letting you improve both mentally, physically, and socially. Whether it be surfing the web, or taking a class you can meet a ton of people.