10 Practical Ways To Look After Your Mental Health

Our charity partner, the Mental Health Foundation have put together 10 easy ways you can look after your mental health. Give it a read and you’ll be surprised at just how easy they are to follow…

1. Talk About Your Feelings

Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It is in fact part of taking charge of your wellbeing. Talking can be a great way to cope with a problem you’ve been carrying around in your head and just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. It also works both ways, if you open up, it can encourage others to do the same.

2. Keep Active

Regular exercise can boost your self esteem as well as helping you to concentrate and even sleep better. It also keeps your brain and other vital organs healthy but can be hugely beneficial for your mental health too. Experts believe that regular exercise releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good so try setting aside 30 minutes and find something you enjoy.

3. Eat Well

There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel and things like caffeine and sugar can have an immediate effect. Food can also have a long-lasting effect on our mental health too and we need a balanced diet to stay health and function well.

4. Drink Sensibly

We often turn to alcohol to change our mood and while it may seem to help at the time, you'll typically end up feeling worse. Occasional light drinking is healthy and enjoyable but be mindful of your weekly alcohol limits.

5. Keep In Touch

Contact with friends and family can work wonders for making you feel included, supported and cared for. They may also be able to help suggest solutions to your problems. Whilst face to face contact isn’t always possible, give them a call or send a text to keep communication open – it’s good for you.

6. Ask For Help

It’s totally normal for us all to get overwhelmed and not feel our best. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear. Also check out your local services such as support groups or your GP.

7. Take A Break

A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a five-minute pause, a half an hour lunch break or perhaps a weekend away. Even just a few minutes can be enough to de-stress you.

8. Do Something You’re Good At

Doing something your good at means you’re likely to enjoy it way more and enjoyment is a great stressbuster as well as helping to boost your self-esteem.

9. Accept Who You Are

Talking of self-esteem, this can make a huge different to how you cope when things get tricky. Try not to compare yourself to others and remind yourself what is it you love about yourself.

10. Care For Others

We’ve mentioned asking for help and turning to others but repaying the favour can also help yourself to feel better too.