As the ‘get up and get on with it’ attitude slowly dissipates into the abyss there is a still a stigma attached to Mental Health.

I read this phrase everyday…

“the mind and body work collaboratively to allow physical and emotional growth”

Have you ever truly thought about your mood when you are in pain or sick? Are you more irritable, perhaps feeling a bit down? When our bodies hurt, our minds hurt and vice versa.

There are so many ways to maintain and look after our mental health. Below, are some tips for emotional maintenance and wellbeing:

 

Spend time with friends/loved ones

 

Spending time with friends and family can have a huge positive impact on your mood.

Think of lockdown as an example; no socialising, no hugging and the reliance of internet and phones for communication. How did you feel when socialising was temporarily taken away?

 

 

Express how you are feeling

 

I know this can be difficult for some. However, the more we suppress how we are feeling, the more it lingers and the stronger it becomes. Suppression is guilty of feeding negative thought cycles so it’s important we release it one way or another!

 

Here are some ideas to help you express your feelings:

 

• Start journaling
• Write a letter to yourself
• Phone someone you trust
• Talk to your GP

 

 

Keep Active and Eat Well

 

Exercise is known to minimalise symptoms of depression as well as reducing the brains fight or flight response when triggered by anxiety. This doesn’t have to be an intense gym session – yoga, pilates or even a morning stretch can get your body moving.

 

We are like cars…we need fuel to go! Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as keeping hydrated can help maintain a good balance between physical and emotional health.

 

Allow time for self-care

 

How much time do you take for yourself?

Listen to your body – if you’re tired, rest.

A hot bath or a seat on the sofa with a cup of tea for 5 minutes during your busy schedule can make a difference. Not looking after yourself can trigger the domino affect and can eventually lead to burnout.

 

Set small realistic goals

Here are some examples:

• Build a morning routine
• Start journaling your thoughts
• Practice gratitude everyday
• Give yourself 10 minutes to reset everyday

You will know yourself what goals you’d like to set but make sure they are realistic and achievable for you. Don’t be too hard on yourself!