Looking after your mental health is of top priority and there is no better time to take care of yourself and get the most out of your life, than now as tomorrow is – World Mental Health Day!
To help here are 10 practical ways you can take to look after your mental health. Making small & easy changes to your life doesn’t need to cost the earth or be time consuming.
1. Time to Talk
It’s time to put the kettle on and grab yourself a cuppa! Making time to talk about your feelings with friends and family can help you stay in good mental health and will help to deal with any issues that maybe troubling you. Talking isn’t a sign of weakness and it’s your chance to take control of your wellbeing.
2. Get Moving
Put those trainers on, as its time to get moving! Regular exercise is important as it can boost your self-esteem, help you concentrate, sleep and generally feel better in yourself. Exercise releases ‘happy’ chemicals in your brain that make you feel good which will have a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.
3. Healthy Eating
A balanced diet is always the root to a healthier you and just like the other organs in your body, your brain also needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well. Why not take a look at our 5 easy steps to a healthier you to make a good start >>
4. Drink Sensibly
Thinking before we decide how much alcohol to drink is important as the affect it has is only temporary and when it wears off it could leave you feeling worse. Drinking isn’t a good way to manage difficult feelings. Occasional light drinking is perfectly healthy.
5. Stay in Touch
However you catch up with family or friends, staying in touch with one another is important! So give them a call on the phone, hangout online or send them message as keeping those lines of communication open, is good for you & them!
6. Ask for help
We are all human and we will all need a helping hand at some point. So if you’re tired, overwhelmed, can’t cope or things just aren’t going to plan – ask for help. Your family and friends may be able to help or contact your training officer or local services. Here are some helplines for more information >>
7. Time to take a break
Take some ‘me time’. We all lead busy lives so taking a well-earned break is good for your mental health. It could be anything from a five minute pause, a half-hour lunch break at work or a weekend away on a new adventure. A couple of minutes can be enough to de-stress you.
8. Love what you’re doing
Enjoying yourself can help you to beat stress and look after your mental health. So do something you love and pick an activity you enjoy as it probably means you are good at it and achieving a goal will boost your self-esteem.
9. Accept yourself
We are all different and unique in our own little ways. It is much healthier to accept who we rather than comparing yourself to others. Feeling good about you can boost your confidence to learn new skills, explore new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem can help you hope when life gets difficult. We can help you learn new skills at work – take a look at our Apprenticeship Qualifications Here >>
10. Care for each other
Caring for your friends, family and colleagues is important and will help build strong relationships with people close to you. Being there for each other in times of need, will help you through the low and happy times. So make time to check in and chat.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
