From 10th – 16th May 2021, we are joining with the rest of the UK in commemorating Mental Health Week. Here at the Livewell Southwest Training Network, we believe that no one should have to face a mental health problem alone, and as ever, we are here for you, with our top ten tops to help you with your own mental health.
- Talk about your feelings.
Sharing is caring and talking about your feelings can help improve your mental health and deal with times when you may feel troubled - Keep active.
Regular exercise can boost your self esteem, can help you concentrate, sleep better and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your vital organs healthy and is a huge help towards improving your own mental health. - Eat well.
Your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well, just like the organs in your body. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. - Drink sensibly.
We often drink alcohol to change our mood. Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only temporary and can leave us feeling worse. Drinking is not a good way to manage difficult feelings. - Keep in touch.
There’s nothing better than catching up with someone face-to-face, but that’s not always possible, especially over the last year. Ensure you keep the lines of communication open whether its just online or a simple note. - Ask for help.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. - Take a break.
A change of scene or pace is good for your mental health. If you are working from home in these difficult times, take a five minute pause and reset either by walking, making a drink or even a picking up the phone to a friend. - Do something that you’re good at.
What do you enjoy doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself can be as simple as colouring in or reading a book, but if you enjoy this it will certainly beat stress and boost self-esteem and morale. - Accept who you are.
It’s okay to be different. It would be a very dull world if we weren’t. You are unique in your own way so there’s no point in wishing to be someone you are not. Feeling good about yourself and believing in yourself will improve your confidence and make you a more adjusted and balanced individual. These positive attributes will make you more determined to cope with life when it throws tricky balls at you. - Care for others.
Friends are really important and therefore treat them the same way you wish to be treated. Show respect and in turn this will prove dividends for that equal partnership and that solid relationship.
If you would like to learn more about how you can support others who may be struggling with their mental health, we have Mental Health First Aid courses readily available for you to book onto. Alternatively, if you would like to talk through the options, please feel free to get in touch with us on 01752 435152 or email us on info@livewellsouthwesttrainingnetwork.co.uk