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"Fake it til you make it" is more formally called "behavioral activation." Here's how it can help your mental health.
Engaging in behaviors that foster a healthy mental state can create a positive ripple effect that in turn encourages you to continue participating in those activities. This concept is at the root of the popularization of self-care.
In a sense, behavioral activation, or “fake it til you make it,” is like pretending that you feel better. But in doing this positive behavior, you’ll likely develop some positive feelings that can lead to “an upward spiral of motivation,” Meg Gitlin, a New York-based psychotherapist who runs the Instagram account @citytherapist, said.
Monitor your actions and feelings. You can keep a journal or download an app to take notes about what you’re doing and how you’re feeling.
Set achievable goals for positive behaviors. Focus on one or two behaviors at a time and practicing them on a regular basis.
Minimize the negative behaviors. “Reduce behaviors that make you feel bad. For example, someone may choose to limit the amount of time they spend on social media and replace this with connecting one-on-one with friends.”
Don’t confuse behavioral activation with busyness. “Busyness for busyness’ sake is not what helps someone feel motivated ― in fact, this can lead to burnout.”
Use the technique in combination with other coping strategies. Remember that behavioral activation is just one of many tools involved in cognitive behavioral therapy. It doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, and that’s OK.
(HuffPost)