Looking after our mental health shouldn’t just be something we do when things are bad, but something we should proactively invest in. By doing this, it will help us to cope with difficult times we then do arise. It can also help to benefit our physical health.
Below are some tips to help improve our mental wellbeing. These have been sourced from various places including the NHS website.
Reframe unhelpful thoughts 🧠
How we think, feel, and behave are linked. So it's easy for us to develop patterns of thought or behaviours that are unhelpful. By identifying these patterns, and taking steps to change them, we can improve our mental health. If you'd like to learn more about how you can achieve this, here is a great video - Reframe Unhelpful Thoughts - YouTube
Get good sleep 🛌
A decent night’s sleep is hugely important. If you’re getting the right amount of sleep and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, your mental and physical health will be better. NHS tips for better sleep
Live a healthy life 🍏
Each of us are unique, and so how we do this will differ based on our own needs and capabilities. But where possible, being active, such as enjoying a walk outdoors and a healthy balanced diet both contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Cutting out bad habits such as smoking and drinking will have a positive effect on our mood.
Moderate social media 📲
Social media can be a great way to stay connected to people, but excessive use can fuel feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation. If you want to look into this in more detail, then
Social Media and Mental Health is a great source.
Connect with others 👨👩👧
Spending quality time with people you care about, talking to them about our feelings, and helping others can help us to feel less lonely. This doesn’t always have to be in person. It can be online like here with our wonderful online community, or a chat with a loved one over the phone. But if you are able to get out for a walk or some lunch with a friend, that’s great!
Be in the present 💛
Sometimes known as being mindful, it’s when we are aware of our thoughts, feelings, and the world around us in the present moment. This can help us gain better perspective. A great way to improve mindfulness is by breathing exercises - Mindful Breathing
Do something for yourself 💆
This is one of my favourite ways to improve the way we feel because it doesn’t have to require a lot of energy. It doesn’t always need to be something extravagant; it can be something small and simple. From enjoying your favourite hobby, starting a new interest, or even relaxing with a cuppa tea, it’s important to do things that make you happy.
Take an inventory of how you feel 📖
It can be helpful to regularly take an inventory of your feelings, using a notepad or journal, focusing on the strongest emotion you feel at that time (i.e. happy, stressed, anxious, etc.). Acknowledging your emotions will help you be more aware of your emotional health, and provide you with something to look back on. A few months down the line, you’ll be able to track the ebb and flow of your mental health.
You can find some more tips that might be helpful here - Emotional Wellness Week! 💜
If you have any suggestions or tips for how to improve mental health, please share these in the comments. We'd love to hear from you! 😊
