Take Care of Yourself

The Mental Health Network, it’s estimated that by 2030 there will be approximately two million more adults in the UK with mental health problems than there were in 2013.The consequences of neglecting our mental health can be dire – people with severe mental health problems have an average reduced life expectancy of between 10 and 25 years.An extremely sobering thought.So with all this in mind, and knowing that this is an area we, as women, often neglect, here are some top tips for putting our mental health first so that we all live happier and healthier lives:

POSITIVITY

Smiling releases endorphins and thinking happy, positive thoughts not only makes us feel better, it also sends all those good vibes out into the universe!  Ultimately, we reap what we sow – meaning that sending positive out will bring positivity back.  Even the bleakest situation can be hiding a silver-lining, sometimes it just takes focus to find it.  Do it.  It’s worth the time and effort.

GRATITUDE

An attitude of gratitude can, quite literally, be life-changing.  Looking for the good in each day will completely transform how you see the world and everything in it. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to incorporate this mindset into your daily routine.  From being grateful for being able to get out of bed and go to the loo on our own steam, to that delicious cupcake we had at lunchtime, when we bring more awareness to our lives, we realise how much there is to be grateful for.

RELATIONSHIPS

People need people.  It really is as simple as that.  Taking the time to nurture the relationships in our lives that bring us joy is good for the soul.  Make time for that catch-up with an old friend, make an effort to see that person we’ve just met who radiated positivity – even if it’s just for a quick coffee.  Just think of the overall impact on our wellbeing if we prioritise the people in our lives and spend a bit less time worrying about what’s happening on Instagram.

AEROPLANE MODE

We all know that social media, the news, emails and all the other noise in our world can be distracting and overwhelming, leaving us feeling a bit off-kilter.  It’s really difficult to find peace with all this ‘stuff ‘ going on.  A daily practice of a mini-digital-detox gives us the space and time we need to focus on ourselves, set our intentions, and do the things we enjoy.  Next time it feels like it’s getting too much, switch all devices off and go for a walk. Your mental health will thank you for it.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Our physical wellbeing is inextricably interwoven into our mental wellbeing.  The feel-good effects of exercise will seep into every corner of our lives if we let it.  Taking 20 minutes each day to do something physical, getting our heart pumping and our muscles flexing, will make us feel stronger, more focussed, and more able to keep up with the demands of daily life.  My philosophy is ‘all things in moderation’, so while exercise is a daily practice, so is being kind to myself – whether that be in the form of reading a chapter of a good book or eating that cupcake – life is all about balance. Today, on World Mental Health Day, it would be absolutely brilliant if you could spend some time reviewing your own mental health, having a think about how you are coping, how you are feeling, and whether there are any little things you could be doing to take care of you. xxx    ]]>