Mental Wellbeing
According to mind.org mental wellbeing doesn't have one accepted definition. It could be defined as how we feel like we are coping with day to day life and how we feel about the tackling the load.
Remember that if you are struggling to cope with the day to day there are many ways in which you can seek help. Click here.
I made a really quick mind map for a social media post. A really quick exercise that let me think about the things that make me feel positive. It also serves as a visual reminder as to just how many things there are to be positive about. No matter how big or how small.
There is great potential in seeing value in everyday things.
Here are some tips for helping find a bit more balance in life and ultimately improve your mental wellbeing. Start slowly, go for the small things, do what you feel you can manage and not what you think you should be doing and don't forget to celebrate those little achievements.
Find ways to relax & destress: Even if it's temporary. Yoga, telly, reading or nice hot bath. Sometimes a podcast or a music playlist can be up-lifting. Sometimes in the day, when I feel a bit lonely from working at home, I just put the telly on in the background and it makes me feel like I have company. It can be helpful to ditch the smart phones and tech for a whole if you can.
Do something creative. Colouring in, painting, writing or doodling. Join an online class to learn something you've been meaning to do for ages or something just because, no reason required.
Get outdoors. Study after study have shown that even looking at a nice picture of the great out doors can boost your mood. Even if you don't venture far, take a walk close to home. The beach is my go to place, there is something about the noise of the waves lapping the shore and the unsteadiness under my feet that I love, my other half loves being in the woods. Take a flask if you have one and make an hour or two out of it.
Connect with others. You cannot underestimate the value of your peers. People you can relate too and are going through similar life experiences. You may find online support groups useful where you can keep your anonymity. You may find joy in volunteering, meeting people you wouldn't normally meet to serve a common purpose. Speak to someone you trust or make use of an online counselling session.
Look after your physical health. You don't have to go mad. A yoga or pilates class is fine. It's not all or nothing. Look after your own basic needs, drinking water, brushing your teeth, getting a couple more towards your 5 a day of fruit and veg. A walk is absolutely enough.
Sleep. This is point one if ever you are being assessed for a health & wellbeing programme. Easier said than done. Remember the R.A.I.N. article from before. Use the fact that you are not sleeping well to address the underlying cause. Is it temporary? Or has it been going on for some time. Remember it's not just falling asleep that can be a problem but staying asleep or the quality of sleep. Try a free sleep relaxation session available on You Tube or a mindfulness app.
Photo by Tim Foster, Eilis Garvey, Kinga Cichewicz, Andrew Gook, John Schnobrich, Rachael Gorjestani