A local doctor says there are many ways for people to improve their mental health, including reducing their anxiety this new year.

One way is to find inspiration from those in the public eye who have been upfront about their struggles.

This includes Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.

Biles' openness regarding her anxiety and mental health is one reason why Sports Illustrated named the gold medalist its sportsperson of the year.

The magazine said Biles "sparked sweeping change by speaking out about mental health issues in sports."

Many fans have said they not only admire Biles' routines, but her spreading awareness that from a mental health standpoint, sometimes it is okay to not be okay.

Dr. Katie Takayasu, an integrative medicine physician, says one way to begin alleviating anxiety is by talking about it and reaching out for help.

Physical activity can also help.

"Exercise is known to help with mental wellness because it releases feel good chemicals in the brain of just focusing on the positive," says Takayasu.

Takayasu says another way to overcome anxiety is to take part in a hands-on activity like crafting or solving a puzzle.

"There's so many ways for adults to engage in play and do something fun," Takayasu said. "It allows our brains out of this constant thinking, planning, all those left-brain activities and really engage the right brain to allow your body to re-set so you can show up in your life the way you want to show up."

Takayasu says another way to overcome anxiety is to take part in a hands-on activity like crafting or solving a puzzle.