5 tips for better mental health
Good mental health is about more than just the absence of mental illness. It means you’re in a state of wellbeing where you feel good and can function well in the world. We all have to face challenges in life, or as I like to say, life likes to throw us lemons here and there. But people with good mental health are more likely to be able to cope with the ups and downs and ride the rollercoaster.
Whatever the state of your current mental health, we should all be looking for ways to improve our mental wellbeing. So, here are 5 of my top tips for better mental health as a Registered Counsellor, Master Mental Health First Aid Trainer, and all-round mental health enthusiast.
Get your zzz’s
Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our mental health! It’s our mind and body’s chance to rest, recover and reset. Poor sleep leads to worrying. Worrying leads to poor sleep. Worrying about sleep is like your mind trying to fight itself, and that's a horrible place to be - so take your sleep seriously. For adults, they recommend around 9 hours of sleep, so say goodbye to running on 4-5 hours per night!
Move your body
There are countless studies noting the benefit of exercise on mental health - and they all conclude the same thing: moving more means feeling better (in simple terms).
Many professionals even consider exercise to be a natural antidepressant! Did you know that in your brain, exercise stimulates chemicals that improve your mood and the parts of the brain responsible for memory and learning? This doesn’t mean you need to spend an hour at the gym every day, but even going for walks, running, dancing, golfing, etc. will do the trick. Any way of moving your body regularly that you enjoy is great!
Get outside
Studies show that levels of anxiety, stress, and others are reduced by being outdoors. The sun can be your best friend here - it not only boosts your mood, but its’ rays have tangible benefits for our physical well-being too. When you are outside, the fresh air can help raise oxygen levels in your brain, which increases serotonin levels - a simple way to improve your mood! Don’t forget folks, human beings have survived and thrived for thousands of years being outdoors, so it’s important we make time for some sun and fresh air.
Connect with others
Don’t have 1000 friends that you talk to every day? No worries! We only need to connect with a handful of our support people regularly to feel connected and supported. Feeling low? It’s not exactly realistic to expect your friends to telepathically know you’re not feeling your best and contact you. But it is completely reasonable for you to reach out to them and let them know you’re feeling down. Good friends will be there to support you as best they can - but they’re not mind readers. If some of the people you spend time with have a way of making you feel drained and diminished, it might be a good idea to cut them out of your life. I know it sounds harsh, but we’re not all meant to be besties with everyone - and if someone is draining your cup instead of filling it up, that’s a sure sign that they’re not the right kind of person for you.
Know when to reach out for extra support
Sometimes, we can do all the things above, but we still feel like we’re drowning. During these times, it’s so important to put our internalised stigma aside and recognise that we might need some help from the professionals! If you feel like you could use some additional support right now, I am here for you. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to vent about your struggles, unpack your thoughts, and support and guide you to help navigate life’s challenges so that you can live your most fulfilling life. Click here to learn more about counselling with me!
If even just one of these tips resonated with you and helps you on your path to mental wellbeing, then that’s a win for me!
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