Mental Health and Well-being

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Mental Health & Well-being

This entry was posted in General May 15, 2019

Feeling healthy and well is not just about feeling physically fit, it is also important that you feel good mentally too. Often many of us have such active and busy lives, that sometimes we don’t take the time to look after our own mental wellbeing.

There is no need to feel embarrassed about struggling with your feelings. There are several things you can do to look after your mental wellbeing, as well as steps you can take if you think you need some help. Take a read of our useful points on how to look after your health, and how to support others that are struggling.

Talking about problems or fears

Often talking to somebody can make you feel a lot better about your feelings. The saying ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ is often true. Talking about a problem or sharing your feelings with someone else often takes a weight off your shoulders, and can make it feel less daunting or troubling.

Address how you feel

Talking to somebody can come with different levels of detail. You don’t have to lay out all of your feelings, just briefly talking to somebody is a positive step in taking charge of your mental wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and let your emotions take over.

Who to talk to?

Approaching the person that you want to talk to is frequently the hardest part of sharing your feelings. Depending on what you want to talk about, you could try talking to:

  • A family member or friend
  • A specialist in the subject , such as a doctor if you require medical advice, or a financial advisor if you are having money troubles
  • Somebody with confidentiality- like a counsellor or a therapist

Be the Listener

Remember that talking to someone is a two way street. When in conversation you should try to listen and take on board suggestions, and to also make suggestions yourself. Sometimes listening to other people’s worries makes yours feel less extreme. Or talking to someone who is going through the same feelings can help to alleviate worries, as you are not alone in feeling that way.

Keep Active

Exercise is a great way of keeping both your brain and other vital organs healthy. It also has a great impact on your physical health too. Regular exercise can help to give a great sense of well-being, as well as feeling more energetic throughout the day and being more positive and alert too. Exercise can also aid more relaxed sleeping at night, as well having a sharper memory and attention span.

Keeping active doesn’t just mean going to the gym, going for a walk or doing some gardening are also ways of keeping active. Doing at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week is the recommended amount. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel healthier.

Eat Well

Your everyday diet has a long-lasting effect on your mental health, and also immediate effects on your body. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like other organs in your body. Drinking high-caffeine or sugary drinks are sources that will keep you awake during the night, and could lead to a restless sleep. A healthy balanced diet includes sources of each nutrient, including:

  • A good variety of fruit and vegetables
  • Oats, nuts and seeds
  • Some dairy or dairy alternatives
  • Oily fish
  • Drink plenty of fluids

Try to choose a variety of foods from the 5 main food groups to get a wide range of nutrients. Eating three varied meals a day, and drinking plenty of water can be a positive effect on your mental and physical health in the short and long term.

Take a Break

Many of us often live busy and hectic lives and therefore we forget, or don’t make the time to sit back and take a break. A few minutes break away from a busy or intense environment can de-stress you and mentally clear your head for a while. People may use their ‘Taking a break’ time in different ways, from sitting and listening to music, to doing yoga, to playing tennis. Just taking a minute to relax and take a deep breath will help.

It is also important to listen to your body daily- if you feel weak and tired then give yourself more time to sleep. A good night’s sleep can be crucial to how you feel in body and mind the next morning.

Accepting who you are

There are 66 million people living in the UK alone, and we are all different in our own ways. Some of us like to cook, some of us make people laugh, and others are great at maths. We are all totally different and accepting how unique you are as a person can be extremely healthy for your mind.

Be proud of who you are and what you have achieved in life. Accept that you are not perfect at everything, but recognise and focus on what you are great at, and more importantly what you enjoy doing.

Accepting who you are as a person is a great way of boosting your self-esteem and confidence, to take onto new skills and to visit new places. Good self-esteem also helps in meeting and talking to new people comfortably.

Know what you would like to change about yourself, and appreciate how you can use your great attributes to succeed in life. If a friend or family member of yours is struggling, let them know their great qualities too, and what you love about them so much.

Knowing the uniqueness of ourselves is a big step in positive mental health and wellbeing.

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