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Your Mental Health Matters: Eleven Ways to Protect Your Mental Wellbeing

Your Mental Health Matters: Eleven Ways to P Your Mental Wellbeing

Have you ever put on a brave face and said “fine” when someone asked how you were, even though you felt sad and miserable? If so, you’re not alone. Many people don’t want to show vulnerability or embarrassment by admitting they feel down. It’s natural to have those concerns. But it’s important to remember that expressing our feelings is okay. Seeking support can also help us cope better with challenging situations.

It’s important to remember that no one has to deal with difficult emotions alone. After all, everyone has mental health. Just like physical health, mental health can fluctuate over time. Even the most resilient and calmest people can feel low occasionally. However, if low mood persists and other symptoms develop, it can cause someone to slip into poor mental health.

This article will discuss the significance of mental health, its nature, and practical ways to manage your mental wellbeing.

What is Mental Health

Every person has mental health, which is just as important as physical health. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and behave and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.

When our mental health is in good condition, we feel emotionally stable, capable of taking care of ourselves, and interested in what we care about. When we experience mental health issues, we may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, affecting our work, relationships and daily life.

Mental Health Problems

According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem yearly. Mental health problems can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Many mental health problems exist, including depression, anxiety, stress, and eating disorders. Various factors, including genetics, life experiences, and medical conditions, can cause mental health problems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has harmed mental health, causing an increase in anxiety, stress, depression, and related issues. Even after the pandemic, people are still dealing with financial uncertainty and worldwide economic and political instability, which can all negatively affect mental wellbeing. These challenges can significantly impact our lives, including our relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

Mental Health First Aid

Many organisations have trained Mental Health First Aiders who can identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health problems. These individuals support those struggling with mental health and can connect them with professional help. If you are unsure whether your company has a Mental Health First Aider, feel free to ask. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay.

Eleven Most Effective Ways to Protect Your Mental Health

The Mental Health Foundation released a guide in June 2022 that outlines eleven practical ways for individuals to safeguard their mental health. Some of the tips mentioned are:

1. Get closer to nature. A leisurely walk through the countryside or a nearby park can be a great way to clear your mind and fully unwind. Consider trying “forest bathing,” a Japanese practice that involves enjoying the various sounds, scents, and colours of the woods while observing its wildlife.

2. Learn to understand and manage your feelings. Notice your emotions with curiosity and be kind to yourself. Instead of suppressing or ignoring them, take the time to understand why you are feeling a certain way. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would treat a friend.

3. Talk to someone you trust for support. One way to cope with stress is to seek support from someone you trust. Consider confiding in a friend, family member, GP, therapist, or counsellor to help you process your thoughts and emotions related to the stress in your life.

4. Be aware of using drugs and/or alcohol to cope with difficult feelings. It’s important to know that certain substances can worsen mental health problems. If you want to keep track of your alcohol intake, the NHS Drink Free Days App can be a helpful tool. The charity Talk to Frank is a great resource for factual information and support about drug use.

5. Try to make the most of your money and get help with problem debts. If you are struggling with financial stress, there are many things that you can do to manage it. For ideas and helpful advice, check out the resources provided by The Money and Mental Health Institute.

6. Get more from your sleep. If you’re having trouble sleeping, there are a few simple changes you can make. Setting a regular bedtime routine and removing technology from your bedroom can improve sleep quality. Try using a traditional alarm clock instead of your smartphone.

7. Be kind and help create a better world. Helping others is a great way to feel good about ourselves and connect with our community. It can also help us feel more grateful and grounded. Just exchanging a smile or friendly words can be comforting and lift our mood.

8. Get active. Moving our bodies – with sports, gardening, dancing, cycling, walking the dog or taking a gym class, for example – are great ways to improve wellbeing. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. To experience these benefits fully, consider working out with a friend or in a group. By connecting with people who share your interests, you can develop a sense of belonging, which helps improve mental health.

9. Eat a healthy diet. Choose foods that are good for your mind and body, with lots of vegetables and fruit. How we eat is also essential. Having meals with other people can help to grow relationships – with family, friends, partners, and colleagues.

10. Be curious and open-minded to new experiences. Learning new things and keeping our minds active can help us stay mentally sharp and engaged. It can also help us feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

11. Plan things to look forward to. Taking time for activities that bring joy can boost mental wellbeing and hope. It can be something as simple as savouring a cup of tea, watching a favourite TV show, or something more extensive like a trip with loved ones or attending a concert.

Conclusion

Taking care of your mental health is essential for your overall wellbeing. Try implementing these tips to reduce your risk of developing mental health problems and improve your quality of life. The Mental Health Foundation website offers a free guide that you can download.

If you are concerned about your mental health, or if you are worried about someone else’s mental health, please reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust and find activities you enjoy each day. By taking steps to improve your mental wellbeing, you can experience a better quality of life both at work and in your personal relationships.

About Beverly Landais – Beverly is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Mental Health First Aider with a senior business background. She works with people and teams to enable them to be at their resourceful best.

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References:

11 Mental Health Tips – free guide from the Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/news/new-research-reveals-11-best-ways-prevent-common-mental-health-problems

Thriving with Nature – free guide from MHF and WWF: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/thriving-nature

NHS One You: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/

Talk to Frank: https://www.talktofrank.com/

The Money and Mental Health Foundation. https://www.moneyandmentalhealth.org/get-help/

MIND: Mental Health at Work: https://www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/