Looking after your mental health

This year has been a tough one for us all - months of lockdown and uncertainty, loss and constant breaking news have had a huge impact on our mental health. This is why, for this month’s blog, we wanted to look at a few ways you can help look after your mental health. Remember – it’s okay to feel anxious, upset or stressed at times. It’s when you feel like these emotions are out of your control and interrupting your everyday life, that we recommend you reach out a doctor or charity linked below.

Talk about your feelings

Talking about your feelings is a great way to lessen the load and cope with a problem that is troubling you. It’s not always easy to word how we’re feeling, so if you’re at a lose of words trying to describe it, try explaining how it feels in your head. Or what the problem make you feel like doing.

As mentalhealth.org.uk states, “You don't need to sit your loved ones down for a big conversation about your wellbeing. Many people feel more comfortable when these conversations develop naturally - maybe when you're doing something together… If it feels awkward at first, give it time. Make talking about your feelings something that you do.”

Keep Active

While it can be hard to lift ourselves up and get out of bed when we’re in a slump, you’d be surprised how effective keeping active is your mental health. You don’t need to become a gym bunny or do anything extreme – even a simple walk will work wonders. Exercising regularly can boost your self-esteem and improves concentration and sleep, which goes a long way when it comes to making you feel better!

Eat Healthy

Crisps and chocolate may be quick and delicious to eat but eating healthy helps your brain find the right nutrients it needs to function well. Diet is often the first thing we neglect when feeling upset, so it’s important we address this aspect when trying to work on our mental health. Though it can be challenging, try to eat at least three meals each day and drink plenty of water. Avoid high-caffeine, sugary, or alcoholic drinks as these can all be quite destructive.

Focus on eating lots of fruits and vegetables, oily fish, nuts and seeds, wholegrain cereals or bread and dairy products.

Do something you’re good at

This might sound strange at first, but when you think about it – doing something you’re good at makes you also feel good! It boosts confidence and helps beat stress. Whether you excel at painting, playing the guitar, gardening or football, all of these things allow you time to just be you.

Accept who you are

We’re all different – some of us are great at making people laugh, some of us are quick to calculate things, some of us are great at running fast. Recognise your strengths, quirks and individual qualities that make you YOU and be proud of them. Being confident in ourselves can inspire us to try new opportunities, meet new people and visit new places.

 

Links for further support:

Men's Health Forum
24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.
Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk

YoungMinds
The UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health.
Helpline: 0808 802 5544
youngminds.org.uk

Family Lives
Advice on all aspects of parenting, including dealing with bullying.
Phone: 0808 800 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm)
Website: www.familylives.org.uk

Relate
The UK's largest provider of relationship support.
Website: www.relate.org.uk