Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It's not something you should be proactive with now and again, but every day just like with activity and exercise, to ensure you maintain a healthy mindset.
The past few years have been trying times for everyone, and many of us are still dealing with the after-effects, on top of new and pre-existing mental health conditions. Staying on top of your mental wellbeing will benefit you in the present and the future. It will also reduce the risk of physical health problems later in life.
There are little things you can practice every day that go a long way in improving your mental health at home. So, why not make a start with the following tips?
Live in the Present
Taking time to be in the present rather than caught up in the past or with negative thoughts and feelings will help you gain a better perspective. You will notice whilst practising being mindful how much these negative thoughts and feelings are overriding your brain, and it's hard to get rid of them if you allow them to take over.
So, try focussing on your breathing and get in touch with your senses and surroundings to help ground your mind and body to the present moment.
Reframe Your Mindset
It's surprising how much a negative mindset can impact our physical health, with conditions such as chronic stress and anxiety causing complications in places like the muscles, head, and gut. The way we think, feel, and behave is linked, so regular patterns of negative thoughts and feelings will impact you in ways you never thought they would.
Reframing your mindset is essentially retraining your brain to think a certain way, making you stronger and more likely to fight it. Your brain is incredibly powerful, and it's yours, so you have the power to turn things around.
Open Up
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Opening up to someone can be incredibly hard, sharing your deepest, darkest thoughts and emotions. But even therapists need therapists!
Talking about how you feel is one of the healthiest ways to get back on track. Bottling up your emotions will make things worse in the long run, so why not reach out to someone close to you, or a professional, to help uncover the best version of you that's hiding away somewhere?
Discover or Revisit a Hobby
Ever started a hobby but never finished it? Or is there something you've always wanted to try but never got the chance?
Taking on a hobby is a great way to take your mind off things and focus on something for you and you only. Whether you like to get creative or read a book by your favourite author, a new skill or hobby will help boost your confidence and self-esteem and provide you with a sense of purpose. You might even meet some new people too!
Practice Mindfulness & Meditation
By practising mindfulness or even doing a session of meditation for a minute a day, you will see drastic improvements in your mental health. Taking the time to wind down and really acknowledge your thoughts and feelings will help build up your mental strength and leave you feeling empowered.
There are several mobile apps you can download, like Headspace. You could also try YouTube videos and online spiritual guidance classes to get you started.
Accept Your Beautiful Self
The hustle and bustle of modern-day living is a lot of pressure. It can be hard to find the time to take care of yourself, but things as simple as visiting the hairdresser or taking a long hot bath with some candles go a long way in making you feel good about yourself.
There aren't just the pressures of everyday life with family and work, but many of us find ourselves caught up in social media, constantly scrolling on our phones and comparing our lives to the likes of social media influencers. So, take a step back and immerse yourself in the real world because that's what really matters.
Take a Break
One of the best ways to improve your mental health is by taking a well-deserved break. Whether you decide to take a few days off work to relax at home or book a getaway, some time to recharge will do you a whole world of good. Planning a break will also give you something to look forward to, boosting your happiness and motivation until the day comes.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
Time is precious, so try to keep in touch with your friends and family and spend time with them as often as possible to prevent you from feeling isolated and stop you from lugging over those negative thoughts and feelings.
Avoid Harmful Substances
Although sometimes it may feel like harmful substances such as alcohol, smoking, and drugs can help relieve stress and pain, they have a detrimental effect on your health. This can make mental health conditions worse, harder to fight, and can lead to serious health problems.
Get Organised
Decluttering your home and life can help declutter your brain!
Cleaning isn't for everyone, and certain mental health conditions can make it very difficult to carry out personal hygiene tasks. However, hygienic practices can help encourage rumination in the brain and prevent excessive thinking.
Another way you can help improve your mental wellbeing is by keeping a diary or to-do list to help you achieve a clutter-free life. You can even create a list of goals to achieve, and the satisfaction of crossing them off your list will be sure to make you feel a little bit better.
Sleep Well
Lack of sleep has an impact on your mental health. Some of the psychological symptoms sleep deprivation causes include:
• Low moods
• Increased anxiety
• Irritability
• Erratic behaviour
• Less control over thoughts and feelings
• Poor cognitive function and performance
Some of the physical symptoms that appear because of poor sleep include:
• Physical symptoms of anxiety
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased risk of strokes and heart attacks
• Damage to the immune system
Most adults should have 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
Take Care of Yourself
Last but not least, remember to take care of yourself. Eat a healthy balanced diet, remain active, and be kind to each other. Junk food, high sugars and alcohol can leave you feeling down, so remember to drink plenty of water and try and get your 5-a-day!
Mental Health Helplines
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 01375 391411 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.mind.org.uk
For support for young children please click here.
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 10pm; Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Men's Health Forum
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk