How Can You Improve Your Mental Health?
Maintaining good mental health is essential for our overall well-being, especially when we are feeling anxious. Just as we care for our physical health, it's important to nurture our minds too.
Here are some simple and effective ways we can improve our mental health:
Stay Connected
There is much research advising that building and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends can provide us with the support we need during tough anxious times.
Regularly checking in with loved ones, whether through a phone call, a text or a meet-up, helps us to feel valued and understood, whilst also supporting our loved ones.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity isn't just good for our bodies; it's beneficial for our minds too.
Engaging in regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming or even dancing, releases endorphins, which can help lift our mood and reduce stress.
We get an added bonus if we exercise in nature as it calms our bodies and minds.
Get Enough Sleep
A good night's sleep is crucial for our mental health. We should aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night as this is when our bodies restore themselves.
Establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a restful environment and avoiding screens before bed can help improve our sleep patterns.
Ensure your bedroom is dark and not too warm.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and accepting our thoughts without judgement.
Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, journaling or simply paying attention to our surroundings can help reduce anxiety and improve our emotional well-being.
Eat a Balanced Diet
What we eat can have a significant impact on our mood and energy levels.
Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins such a salmon can provide us with the nutrients our brains need to function well.
Staying hydrated is also important for our mental clarity.
Take Breaks and Relax
In our busy lives, it's easy to forget to take breaks. Regular breaks throughout the day, whether it's a short walk, a few minutes of stretching, or simply sitting quietly, can help us recharge and reduce stress.
Making time for hobbies and activities we enjoy can also provide a much-needed mental break.
Seek Help When Needed
It's important to recognise when we need help.
If we're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, seeking professional support from a therapist can make a significant difference.
There is no shame in asking for help; it's a step towards taking control of our mental health.
Set Realistic Goals
Setting achievable goals, both big and small, can give us a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Breaking tasks into manageable steps and celebrating our successes, no matter how small, can boost our confidence and motivation.
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Drugs
While it might be tempting to turn to alcohol or drugs for immediate relief to cope with anxiety, these substances can negatively affect our mental health.
Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding drugs can help us maintain a clearer mind and better emotional stability.
Be Kind to Ourselves
Lastly, it's important to practice self-compassion.
We should be as kind to ourselves as we would be to a friend.
Recognising our efforts, forgiving our mistakes, and treating ourselves with kindness can help build our resilience and improve our mental well-being.
By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can work towards better mental health and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Remember, small changes can make a big difference, and it's never too late to start taking care of our mental health.
Here are a few of my favourite things to do!!
- I love hanging out with my daughter
- I love being outdoors and being close to nature
- I love cycling and catching up with friends
- I love the freedom of open water swimming
- I love reading and learning
- I love getting an early night and ensuring I get enough sleep
If You Need Further Support
If you need further support to overcome your anxiety and the accompanying symptoms, a trained Anxiety Specialist can prescribe a personalised plan to help you understand the underlying cause of your anxiety, as well as help develop healthy coping strategies that are focused around your individual needs.
Taking care of your mental wellbeing is an essential part of your overall well-being. Left unresolved, anxiety can spiral out of control and have a significant impact on relationships, work, school and family life.
So if you want to take the next steps to have a happier life where your fears no longer hold you back, click the link below and book a free no obligation consultation call.
Additional Resources
Read What Causes Anxiety?
Read What Are The Different Types of Anxiety?
Read Can Mindfulness Help with Anxiety
Watch How to Feel Less Anxious
Watch How To Reduce Anxiety Immediately
Watch Breathing Techniques for Anxiety
Download Circle of Control and Influence worksheet
Download Cognitive Distortions worksheet