How to Boost Your Mental Health and Well-Being (and Actually Feel Happier Every Day)

Let’s be real—most of us have Googled something like “how to be happy” or “how to feel content with life” at some point. And honestly? That’s a good thing. It means you care about your mental health and your well-being, which are at the core of how we show up in life.

The exciting part is that science has actually studied happiness and mental health in a way that gives us real tools—not just fluffy advice. And once you know what actually works, you can start building it into your life little by little.

Today, I want to share three proven ways to boost your well-being and feel more grounded, more resilient, and yes—happier.

1. Find Meaning Through Your Work and Stability

We all know financial stress can eat away at our peace. But here’s the cool part: it’s not just about the paycheck. Research shows that finding meaning in your work (or even outside of it) is what really boosts your mental health.

Think about it: when you feel like what you do matters, your stress feels lighter. Purpose fuels us. It could be through a career, a side project, volunteering, or even the way you show up for your family. Meaning is what makes us feel alive.

✨ Takeaway: Ask yourself, what part of my day makes me feel like I’m contributing to something bigger than me? Lean into that. That’s where your well-being grows.

2. Strengthen Your Resilience

Life is full of curveballs—heartbreak, loss, stress, change. We can’t avoid them. But what we can do is build the muscle of resilience, which is the ability to bounce back when things get hard.

I love how researchers define resilience: it’s the process of achieving positive outcomes despite challenges. That means it’s not about being perfect or “happy all the time.” It’s about giving yourself space to feel the hard emotions and then finding your way forward.

✨ Takeaway: Start small. Practice journaling, try therapy, or roll out your yoga mat for 10 minutes. Yoga, in particular, has been huge for me—it helps you regulate your nervous system so when stress hits, you can actually breathe through it instead of shutting down.

3. Soak in the Positive Moments

Here’s one of my favorite studies: people who experienced something small and positive (like getting a piece of candy) right before looking at an image literally saw more. Their eyes darted around the picture and took in more details compared to people who didn’t get the little boost.

How amazing is that? Positivity literally opens your eyes wider. And the more you practice focusing on the good, the more your brain rewires itself to keep spotting it.

✨ Takeaway: End each day by writing down three small good things. They don’t have to be big—think “my coffee was perfect this morning” or “I laughed at a silly meme.” Over time, those tiny shifts stack up into a lighter, more optimistic outlook.

Why Yoga and Coaching Help So Much

Here’s where yoga and coaching come in. Yoga is more than stretching—it’s a science-backed way to regulate stress, reset your mood, and bring you back into balance. Every time you breathe deeply on the mat, you’re teaching your body to calm down instead of spiral.

Coaching adds the mindset piece. It’s like having a guide who helps you set goals, shift old patterns, and build a roadmap for your own happiness. Together, yoga + coaching give you the body and mind tools to not just survive, but thrive.

Lastly……

Mental health and well-being aren’t one-time decisions—they’re ongoing practices. By finding meaning in your work, building resilience, and choosing to savor positive moments, you can completely transform the way you experience life.

And remember it doesn’t have to be all at once. Start small. Write the gratitude list. Step on the mat. Take one deep breath when stress hits.

✨ If you’re ready to go deeper: This is exactly what I help people with through Desert Springs Wellness. Whether it’s yoga, personalized coaching, or both, I’ll help you find balance, peace, and joy in your everyday life.

👉 Come join me for a class or book a coaching session I’d love to walk this journey with you.