Mental health is something that’s being talked about a lot at the moment, which is amazing as it’s so important to your overall wellbeing. Everyone has had points in their life where their mental health has suffered, it’s hard not to in this day and age. There are a few things I have been trying to do recently, that have really helped my mental health and they have made me happier in general too.
Over the last couple of months my mental health has taken a battering. There have been a couple of things that have really helped me get back on track and get back to being myself again. Everyone has different coping methods and ways in which they keep their mind in a good place, this is just what I like to do.
Meditating
One thing I have learnt over the last year is how powerful meditating can be. Before trying meditation, I was very sceptical on whether meditating actually did anything for you mind, but its amazing how much of a difference it makes. There are various forms of meditation, and a wide variety of apps you can use to learn and practice meditation. I really enjoy using Headspace, a simple app that clearly explains how to start your mindful meditation journey. Headspace has many different sessions to choose from, covering a variety of different topics that you can tailor to your needs. Meditating allows you to clear you head by focusing on one element, primarily breathing. Over time it has also taught me how to control my thoughts and lower my stress & anxiety levels. Similarly, Yoga is another great way of meditating whilst working out.
Exercise
Exercise is amazing for your body and mind. I go through phases of working out three times a week and then months of nothing. I think the key to exercise is finding something you love whether that’s running, dance or even yoga. If you can’t commit to go to classes then why not go for a walk in your lunch break or do a ‘at home’ work out. It’s all about fitting it around your life and doing something you either love or love the effects off – Exercise naturally releases endorphins which make you feel on top of the world.
Self care
It’s so important to take time out for yourself, even if it’s just a couple of minutes a day. Our lives are so busy and hectic that it can sometimes feel like we don’t have time to do something for me. The trick is you have to make time for yourself, put it on your to do list or set a reminder on your phone if it helps. If you can’t find time during the week then make a point to take at least 30 minutes for yourself at the weekend. Why not have a little pamper session, your skin will thank you for it, or go into the garden and read a book for a bit. Do something that you can completely switch off with, your mind will thank you for it.
Sitting down with a book
I love reading, it’s a great way of escaping your surroundings and focusing on something completely different. I recently starting readin the Anxiety Solution and it is such a great read. It helps you understand why you are having anxiety and how you can try and overcome some of it. The book also has a variety of different exercises that you can put into practice when you are feeling anxious.
What do you do for your mental health?
Steph x
I can’t seem to get into meditating, but I find exercise so helpful for my mental health! Getting lost in a good book always helps me properly switch off too,
Amy xx
callmeamy.co.uk
Author
It took me a while to get into meditating and I can’t always do it, I have to be in a certain mind set. I agree, love having a book I can’t put down x
I do these things too. They’ve been super transformative for me. I also try to eat as many vegetables as possible. Not instead of anything, just in addition. Since adding vegetables wherever possible I feel a lot better physically.
Author
I love eating fruit and veg too, I try and make sure I have 5 different types a day. Once you get into a routine it’s easy to stick too x
I do a lot of forcing myself out of the house to walk somewhere that is green (luckily I live on a tree lined lane). Exercise really helps me and when I can get my sleep in a good routine that helps too.
Author
Such a good idea, even if its a short walk x
I definitely feel better mentally when I’m in a regular routine with my exercise. I’ve wanted to find a way to get into meditation for a while now but I haven’t found a style that suits me yet x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Author
Exercise is a great way of improving you mood too, so many benefits to it. There are so many different types of meditations i’m sure there one out there that will suit you to a tea x
I’ve tried meditating and find it so helpful when I actually stick too it. Along with regular excercise; I love yoga. Having a long soak in the bath and a pamper evening works for me as a form of self care. ?
Author
Thats my problem too I start meditating for a week then leave it for a while. I need to get into a routine of doing it everyday as I’ve seen in the past how much it has helped me. I’ve never tried yoga but want to in the future x
I found yoga so helpful when I stick to it. 🙂