How to care for yourself this World Mental Health Day

Take a bigger investment in your mental health this year

Sunday is World Mental Health Day and with it comes an awareness that it’s more important than ever to discuss how our mental health is coping.

This year we're supporting the #StartaChat campaign, we understand talking about mental health can feel like a leap and we want to help bridge the gap and get people talking.

So here are some great ways to avoid mental health pitfalls on your own and with others to keep you feeling your best, year-round…

1. Check in with yourself

To understand how we are feeling, sometimes, is as simple as asking a few questions. When was the last time you stopped and just asked yourself how you were doing? Or if anything was upsetting you and why?

It’s only when we ask these questions, can we start to address what might be behind them. It can be a great way to start the day, and put you in a better and more understanding mood.

2. Make some time just for you

We all need time to ourselves at some point, time to unwind and de-stress, time to process thoughts and feelings, time just to be you.

Sometimes it can be hard to do that if you have a family or a busy daily schedule. However, for a lot of people, just little things like watching a film, reading a book or going for a solo walk can really help recharge the batteries.

3. De-stress with an app

There are many free-to-use apps which are designed to assist you with your mental health needs. Apps such as Calm and Headspace have gained immense popularity over the last few years for their guided meditation programmes and the ease of use.

Simply download from the app store, start a programme of meditation and allow yourself to feel calmer and more relaxed in just 10 mins.

4. Talk it over

Everyone needs a good social circle to navigate the ups and downs of life. It doesn’t need to be big, but keeping certain friends and family members close when it comes time to talk is essential for your mental health.

Getting something off your chest can immediately make you feel ‘lighter’ and happier, especially if it’s with someone you trust and know has your best interests at heart.

5. Get some fresh air & exercise

This might seem more like taking care of your physical health rather than mental health, but the two are very much connected. Just a brisk walk outside for a few minutes each day can help release endorphins, a chemical which helps to make us feel happy.

Having a good walk outside is also a good opportunity to get alone time, time with others or your moment to check in with yourself. Now that’s using your head!

6. Cook a nutritious meal

Good nutrition can be just as important for your brain as exercise and self-care. Eating healthy meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as the odd treat, can do your mental health a lot of good.

People with healthy, balanced diets often find their mood, energy levels and thought processes are much better than those with poor diets.

We hope that these suggestions are useful tools when it comes to working on your mental health. Remember you can always let us know some of the ways you like to care for your health at our social media channels, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.