5 things you can do to support your mental health

Monday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day, which provides an opportunity for people to talk about mental health and the importance of reaching out and looking after it – with this year’s theme being “make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority.”

One in four people experience a mental health problem at least once in their life, whether that is anxiety, stress or simply feeling as if it’s all getting too much. But what little things can you do to try and make yourself feel better?

1. Reach out to someone you trust

Although many people struggle with their emotional and mental health on a daily basis, only a fraction feel able to talk about it. Reaching out can do the world of good. Find someone you trust, perhaps a friend or family member, and let them know that you’re struggling. Simply talking through a situation can feel like a massive weight is being lifted off your shoulders.

Spending time with a loved one can also have a positive effect on your mood, reducing feelings of loneliness and helping you feel like you have a greater sense of belonging.

Why not call up a friend and ask if they’d like to meet for a coffee or go for a walk?

2. Look for ways to reduce stress

Feeling stressed is incredibly common and is something that many experience in their day-to-day lives. Half of people working in the UK say they feel very stressed at work and 60% of young people say they feel stressed by the pressure to succeed. Although it’s typical to feel stressed on the odd occasion, if you’re regularly experiencing stress it can lead to physical, emotional and mental strain on the body – causing headaches, stomach aches and further mental health issues.

It’s important to find ways to manage your stress, whether that is taking a break whenever you’re in a particularly stressful situation or finding ways to switch off and do something you enjoy. This could be going for a walk, listening to music or a podcast, or reading a book.

It’s all the little things that add up to make a big difference.

3. Look after your physical health

Looking after your physical health can have a massive impact on your mental health. How are you treating yours?

Our bodies and minds are connected, so when you’re looking after one of them, it can benefit the other.

It’s important to ensure you’re getting enough sleep each night, eating a balanced diet which includes fruit, vegetables and whole foods (not forgetting the odd treat), and you’re staying active.

Although physical activity can seem overwhelming you don’t need to run a marathon to benefit your health. Try doing a little bit of movement every day, whether that is going to the gym, dancing around your house or going for a walk around your garden.

4. Spend time outdoors

Nature is incredibly healing, with studies showing that spending time outdoors has a positive effect on mental health and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.

Take a walk to your closest wooded area, sit in your garden or buy a plant for your home and take a moment to breathe. Tune your senses into what’s around you. What can you smell? What can you see? What can you hear?

5. Get in touch with an organisation like Mikeysline

Finally, if you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t forget to reach out to an organisation like Mikeysline. We’re here to listen and support you no matter what the issue is, however big or small.

Get in touch via our text and multimedia support line, book a face-to-face appointment or get in touch with one of the organisations listed here on our website.

Remember, it’s ok not to be ok.
If you need someone to talk to, please text us via SMS at 07786 207755, through WhatsApp at 01463 729000, or contact us via Messenger, webchat or Twitter.