Today is dedicated to World Mental Health Day, a day for raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and is an opportunity for employees and employers across the world to broaden their knowledge and understand how we can all take responsibility in helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. It also gives us an opportunity to look at how we can support ourselves and those going through their own mental health experiences.
1) The Great Outdoors
Get up and get outside, we live in a beautiful world so why not walk to your local coffee shop this morning to get those daily steps in? It’s recommended we do 10,000 steps a day, easy enough if you walk to the post office to make that return, instead of driving.
Find walking boring? Try listening to a podcast, I highly recommend a Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett, or maybe walk with a friend. You might find walking a bit tedious, but the health benefits are worthwhile. Regular walking has been proven to increase energy levels, improve sleep and reduce stress.
2) Getting those Z’s
Unsurprisingly, your brain and your body NEED sleep to be able to function and recover. Most adults need 7 hours plus sleep a night, so put down your phone, turn off your TV, close your eyes and start counting sheep- your body and brain will thank you later.
Rubbish at sleeping? Me too! There as so many free accessible apps designed to aid sleep, some include ‘Mindfulness’, ‘Tide’ and ‘Sleep Cycle’. Or perhaps, have you tried wishing your smart speaker “goodnight”? Try it- you’ll be surprised as to what they can offer you.
3) Talk to a Friend
I don’t know how to put it any simpler but if you’re feeling low, stressed or worried, speak to someone. Sharing how you are feeling about life, work or just in general, acts as a brain de-load. Let people listen, you might just be surprised how much they will understand and be able to support you.
My grandma always says, “a problem shared is a problem halved”, and this statement truly resonates with me.
4) Me time
There comes a time where our batteries need re-charging. I am a firm believer in self-care, which of course looks different for everyone. Allocate some time each week just-for-you, perhaps use this time to read that book that’s been on your bedside table for weeks, put on a face mask and paint your nails or even treat yourself to that takeaway you’ve fancied recently.
However, you prefer to spend your ‘me time’, make sure you do! A regular self-care routine can help eliminate stress, increase happiness and improve low mood too.
5) Food for thought
Nutrition and diet have a massive influence on your mind and body. So, make food choices that will benefit you nutritionally. By no means am I saying live solely off broccoli, nor ban takeaways for life, but making balanced choices will have a positive impact on your mind as well as your body. A balanced diet should consist of protein, carbohydrates, buy facebook followers fruit and vegetables, if you’re stuck for meal ideas check out Ruairi Croskery (@rcroskeryfitness on Instagram) for delicious but balanced meals.
What you consume literally fuels your body. Just remember, you wouldn’t eat cake for every meal, likewise you wouldn’t fuel a Lamborghini with slurry.
Author: Mariella Jacobs, Marketing Assistant
