5 Top Tips for Better Mental Health and Wellbeing

Beat those “Frosty February Feelings”  - 5 Top Tips for Better Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Life has been different for many of us over the last year and the recent New Year lockdown may have left you feeling fed-up, unmotivated, unhappy, or worried. I know staying optimistic and hopeful has been a challenge for many of us. Here are some of my top tips for lifting your mood this February.

1. Make a Happy List
Write down all the things that make you happy. These could be a hot bubble bath, reading a book, colouring, talking to a friend, etc. Whatever makes you happy and do at least one thing on your list daily. Be kind to you, for if we take care of ourselves then we are better able to care for others.

2. Breath Deeply
When you feel things are getting a bit stressful take a moment to pause and breath deeply. Belly breathing where you take a deep breath in and let your belly expand and then breath out slowly helps to increase your parasympathetic nervous system which in turn helps to calm the mind and body.

3. Move More
It is ok if you are not a fan of formal exercise, all you need to do to improve your health and feel-good is to move more and sit less. Choose something that is easy for you, maybe a walk, chair exercise or spring clean the house. Start with 10 mins once a day and increase as you feel able. For some safe and easy workouts visit the 10-minute workouts - NHS (www.nhs.uk).

4. Think Differently
Thoughts are just thoughts and yet over thinking and worrying can cause feelings of sadness and behaviours such as anxiety. We are unable to stop thoughts popping up whenever they feel like it! However, we can choose just to note the thought and let it go. What we worry about hardly ever happens and other things we have not even considered do. Focus on the now and be present in the activity you are doing to help reduce overthinking.

5. Caring and Connecting
Helping and supporting others can help us to feel more positive. Reaching out, connecting, and talking to friends, family or professionals to share thoughts, gain insights and find help. By sharing we also realise that other people are experiencing similar problems and feelings and we are not alone.

Wishing you a happier, healthier February,

Source: SPARK Magazine P28, February 2021 edition.