Taking care of yourself is an important part of life, and your mental health is part of that. Many people tend to skip or minimize their mental health, thinking of it as largely something that takes care of yourself.

 You probably know by now that your physical health and mental health are directly linked. When you spend time outdoors, get exercise, and are smart about what you eat and what you drink, these all have a positive impact on your mental health.

If you're looking for a few things you can do specifically for your mental health, here are a few things that will give your well-being a big boost.

Hang out with your pet

Our furry friends are very good for our mental health. According to the CDC, owning a dog or cat can make you feel less lonely, improve your opportunities to socialize, and yes give you a range of physical health benefits as well.

If you don't own a pet, try volunteering for a shelter as well. Volunteering can also give you a mental boost, combining the feel good opportunities of helping others, with the love pets can give us.

 Accept who you are

No matter who you are in life, there's probably some aspect of yourself you are less accepting of. Maybe this has to do with your sexuality or gender, your weight, or your passion for a particular hobby. If you're uncomfortable with an aspect of yourself, it can make you feel depressed or be a blow to your mental health.

 This is especially problematic for your mental health because you can't escape from yourself. Take the time to accept, and appreciate, who you really are.

Watch a comedy

Laughter is a wonderful way to release stress, boost your mood, and simply make yourself feel better. Whether you are hanging out with friends that always make you laugh, watching a funny show, or just being silly with the kids, laughter truly is the best medicine.

Unplug

If at all possible, unplug from your devices and simply be for a while. When we're constantly linked to our work, the news, and social media, it can actually hurt our mood as we struggle to deal with all these things. Unplugging is a great way to help you improve your mental health, and if you can combine it with some face-to-face 

Drink coffee or tea regularly

Drinking a cup of coffee or tea in the mornings has been associated with lower rates of depression. If you love your coffee, you can drink it guilt free knowing it's good for your mental health to enjoy your favorite brew.

Together, in combination with practices that benefit your physical health as well as your mental health, such as going outside, eating healthy, and exercising regularly, you can boost your mental health. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body, so give it a tune up with these simple tips.