“It’s very important that you have a support group of friends and family,” Dr. Gardere says. “You need people whom you can talk to about your problems — people who will listen to you when you need to get things off your chest — so that you know you’re not alone in whatever it is.”

Any form of exercise that you enjoy will do. Physical activity keeps your body strong and healthy and can improve your mental health by decreasing depression symptoms, anxiety, pain, and loneliness.

Everyone should have at least one hobby, whether taking care of plants, collecting antiques, or listening to music. You should do something that brings you some real joy — a passion that’s all yours and that no one can take from you. Having a hobby and taking pride in it is a great way to boost self-esteem.

People who get a good night’s sleep wake up with more energy and tend to be more productive. If you are overly tired, every task and responsibility can seem exaggerated, and even small problems will feel like big ones.

If you try to do more than you can handle, you will only get frustrated and stressed out. If someone asks you to do something you absolutely can’t do, say no. At the very least, ask for help. And if you can’t do it, explain why kindly but firmly.