With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy for our mental health to slip under the radar, which can lead to problems down the road. Fortunately, as simple as brushing your teeth, there are steps you can take to keep your mind healthy.
So how can we protect our mental health?
1. Talk to someone you trust
If you’re having a low mental health day, it may seem easier to suppress your emotions. But talking to someone you trust can help you change the way you feel. Not only can it help you get off your chest, but it can also create a better connection with that person so you can build a support network together. Having someone you can turn to, whether it’s a partner, friend, or colleague, who listens to your concerns is a big step toward healing.
2. Spend more time in nature
Even if it’s just for a moment to pause and reflect, spending time outdoors can be a relaxing experience. You may decide to go for a walk or sit on a bench and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds around you. Being in nature, no matter how you choose to do it, gives us a sense of groundedness and inner peace.
You can read about other natural ways to improve your mental health. here.
3. Get a good night’s sleep
For those who suffer from sleep problems like insomnia, this is easier said than done. We adults need a minimum of seven hours of sleep a night, and if we lack that, we’re sorry.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, try changing your nighttime routine. Start ‘chilling out’ about an hour before you want to go to bed; you can take a relaxing bath or do some reading. It’s also a good idea to avoid distractions like TVs or phones right before bed, as well as caffeine, as these can hinder your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
4. Eat healthy food
We may seek a temporary “high” from sugary foods and drinks, but this is often followed by a crash, leaving you feeling more tired than before. To maintain energy, alertness, and fuel your brain, a balance diet is essential.
Food and our feelings can often get caught up in each other. Sometimes we may overeat when we feel stressed out of comfort, or eat less if we are upset. Eating a balanced diet doesn’t have to be boring. You could cook and eat with friends or family, starting the conversation about mental health and making healthy eating an enjoyable experience.
If you’re concerned about the cost of living, read our guide on How to eat healthy for less.
5. Understand your feelings
How we feel can sometimes be overwhelming, whether it is a state of happiness or sadness. If we don’t try to understand our feelings, these emotions can escalate and affect our daily activities, such as sleeping, working, or relaxing.
It may seem difficult to pay attention to how we feel, but with practice it can help us process our emotions and understand how best to deal with them. Try writing down your feelings in a notebook or on your phone to discover any patterns in your emotions or possible triggers.
6. Exercise
Staying physically healthy plays an important role in our mental health, as even a short burst of exercise is enough to keep us energized, alert, and release hormones that make us feel good. You can go for a run, walk or jog, walk the dog, clean the house or go to the gym. Staying active also helps release tension that can cause stress and anger, and helps us sleep better. Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. You can join a gym class or go for a walk with friends to combine exercise with socializing and make it fun!
7. Take control of your finances
Money problems like debt can be a cause of common mental health problems, particularly in the current cost of living crisis. We need money for our electricity, water, heating and food and when we are in a pinch this can be detrimental to our well-being, causing anxiety and stress.
If you’re struggling financially, you may feel embarrassed, but it’s important to seek help. There are many charities that can offer free adviceso get in touch before it becomes unmanageable.
8. Plan things to look forward to
Planning time to do things you enjoy, no matter how small, gives us a sense of hope that can help us get through difficult situations. Decide what you’re going to do, whether it’s sitting down to watch your favorite TV show or hanging out with friends, schedule time, and most importantly, get it done.
9. Be curious
Curiosity can be a powerful thing. We can easily get stuck in our own ways, develop our own routines, and be reluctant to change, but being open to new opportunities can change the way we think about ourselves and our surroundings. Say to yourself “I can do this” or “I can improve this” and you will begin to see yourself taking control.
10. Show kindness
Be kind to yourself, to others and to the world around you. Loneliness can hit anyone at any time, and we never know how someone really feels. A small gesture, like a smile or starting a conversation, even if it feels daunting, can brighten someone’s day. Kindness will not only make the other person feel good, but it will also make you feel inspired and improve your mood.
You may also decide to give up some of your time to volunteer with a charity close to your heart. Just a few hours of your time a week is enough to make a difference and give us the feeling that we can make a difference, which is great for our mental well-being.
You can read the full report of the Mental Health Foundation here.
Want to learn more? Read our tips for taking care of your mental health before it reaches a crisis.
If you are having problems with your mental health, you can contact a qualified professional at counseling directory that you can work through your feelings in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
