Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness

Taking the time to focus on mental wellbeing has never been more important. We look at a few ways you can look after yourself and those around you.

Stay connected

It’s easy to feel lonely, get caught up in our own heads and start overthinking. Talking about what you’re going through is a great way to see things from a different perspective, and remind you that you’re not on your own. Whether you’re feeling good, bad or stressed, there is always someone there to listen. This could be friends, family, colleagues, or specialist helplines.

Be mindful

Mindfulness and meditation are simply about staying in the present moment, and taking time to pause from everything that’s on your mind. Take 5-10 minute breaks as often as you need, or whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, and focus on what you can see and hear around you. There are plenty of apps and videos for guided meditations, and they’re a helpful way to relieve anxiety.

Keep a sense of routine

Creating a routine and sticking to it can help to give a sense of structure, especially with so many of us working from home, or flexible hours. Get up and start work at the same time every day, schedule in tasks you need to get done, as well as activities for your own wellbeing (exercise, breaks). Small and simple things like this can make a big difference in how productive we feel.

Create a sense of purpose

It’s easy to lose motivation. Giving yourself a sense of purpose can be as simple as making a to-do list of things you want to achieve. It could be longer term goals and values, or it could be starting up a new hobby or learning a new skill. These kinds of clear actions and challenges are a great way to motivate and give a sense of confidence and achievement.

Switch off

For those working from home living and working in the same place it’s easy to end up working longer hours and lose work/life balance. Set a time for when you finish work for the day, and if you can, literally switch off your work screens. Give yourself time to breathe and relax away from work. If you have the space, try working in a separate room from where you relax. Your mind will start to associate one space with work, and one space with downtime, making it easier to switch off.

Exercise

You don’t need a gym membership, workout programme, or home equipment, but looking after your physical health has a direct link to mental health. Stretch out your body, walk around the house, get outside to soak up the sun and get some fresh air. Anything that keeps your body moving builds up your physical strength, releases endorphins, and helps to give you a better night’s sleep, which are all great for mental health.

Be kind to yourself

And finally, go easy on yourself. Life can be stressful and it is a normal, human reaction to feel overwhelmed. Treat yourself as you would treat a friend. Be kind to yourself and be kind to the people around you.