Mental health is something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. But, the way we feel about ourselves and the world directly impacts our everyday lives. If you’re struggling with your emotions, the suggestions listed below can improve your quality of life starting today.

Do something nice for yourself.

Self-care starts by recognizing what you need as an individual. As such, there is no single set of self-care strategies that will work for all people. But, one thing that will be doing something nice just for you. A few ideas include:

• Take care of your skin. Show some love to the skin that you’re in by making sure it’s moisturized and healthy. Products like moisturizers can help keep your skin healthy.

• Get a manicure. Having neat and trim nails can make you feel good about everything you do with your hands. Plus, according to Glo Skin Med Spa, getting a regular manicure can prevent infections while a pedicure may even help you reduce back pain.

• Invest in comfort. Being comfortable is not an indulgence or a luxury. Take care of yourself by wearing comfortable shoes and clothing.

Create a culture of positivity.

We’ve all met the “cup half empty” crowd. These are the people that never see the bright side of any situation, no matter how wonderful it may be. Being around this type of energy can drain you of all joy. You can offset the negative influences in your life by making positive changes, such as:

• Removing toxic influences. Toxic friendships are those that make you walk away feeling worse about yourself than you did before your get-together. Eliminate toxic influences from your life. You can recognize toxic people by those that are constantly anxious, disrespectful, and never take blame for themselves.

• Making your home a haven. Home is where the heart is, and it is also where our self-care efforts should initiate from. If you find that your entire family is cranky instead of cozy, start by giving your home a deep cleaning and decluttering. If that doesn’t work, banish negative energy using an old Native American tactic called smudging, which utilizes sage to absorb and remove negativity.

• Practicing gratitude. Gratitude is something we know we must have, but it’s not always easy to show. But, if you show that you are thankful for the things in your life, you will see more good than bad.

Prioritize healthy living.

Self-care is more than just doing something nice for yourself or boosting your own morale. It also consists of the things you do each day that help or hinder your health. If you’re looking to take better care of yourself:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. If you’re looking to lose weight, boost your energy, and have better skin, start with what’s on your plate. Even if you’re not big on the greens, something as simple as swapping a candy bar for an apple can help you lose weight and improve your gut health.

• Exercise often. Exercise can be a boon to your mental health by triggering the release of endorphins that make you feel happy. Plus, when you exercise, your body has more energy. You also burn calories while toning your muscles.

• Get enough sleep. Mental health services provider Priory Group explains that sleep is when your brain resets. And, you need at least seven to eight hours each night to maintain your health as an adult. Even if you’re busy, look for ways to save time during the day so that you can put your head on the pillow in time to rest and recharge each night.

Self-care doesn’t have to mean you follow every one of these suggestions. But, when you identify what’s important to you and take steps to cater to your needs, you’ll find that your mental and physical health will improve dramatically. Small strategies, like taking care of your skin and eating more fruits and vegetables, are a great start that may snowball into even bigger, better life changes.