How can you take care of your mental health?

Mental health is not only a buzz-word, but a prerequisite for overall good health and happiness. The end of 2024 is fast approaching and now is a great time to revisit habits and practices that will improve your mental health! It is easier than you think…

1 Prioritise your morning habits

My last blog shared a couple of tips and tricks that will allow you to be fresh and ready to tackle the challenges of each day. Positive self-talk, starting the day with a lemon bang, getting a song to lift your spirit, morning exercises, sunlight, practicing gratitude, a good breakfast, and daily goals are not only giving you a competitive edge each day, but will also support your mental health.

2 Prioritise you

Making time for yourself and prioritising your needs is not selfish! After all: you can’t pour from an empty cup and you cannot look after others unless YOU are replenished and looked after. Reality is that no-one else will look after you; your well-being is entirely up to you. By looking after you first, you signal to others how they should treat you. You also set a wonderful example to those you love and care about.

Prioritising your needs does imply that you might have to say NO. Do it with confidence!

3 Prioritise sleep

Sleep helps you reduce stress, improve your mood, and get along better with others. It also helps you think more clearly, form long-term memories, and do better in school and at work. Your brain needs sleep to form new pathways to help you learn and remember information. It also helps you pay attention, make decisions, and be creative. On a more physical level, sleep also helps you stay at a healthy weight and lower your risk for serious health problems.

Ideally you should wake up and go to bed every day at the same time. And aim to get at least seven hours of sleep. A lack of sleep might not seem to be a big deal now however, you will eventually pay the price and then the impact cannot be reversed.

4 Connect with others

Social connections can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. It can be as important as exercise and healthy eating. Research shows that the benefits of social contact can even heal physical conditions.

It is important to surround yourself with people that will uplift your spirit. Be careful of who you engage with in person and online. You become what you feed your mind.

5 Be creative

Making art or working with your hands can reduce stress and anxiety. It also improves your ability to solve problems and thinking strategically.

6 Be forgiving

You do not forgive others so that they can be released of their wrong-doings or feel better about themselves. You forgive others primarily for yourself – letting go of past hurts and grievances allow you to move forward.

It is also important to forgive yourself. Failures are not fatal; they are merely an opportunity to learn. And when you know better, you do better. Life is a life-long journey of learning, knowing and doing better.

It is often easier said than done, yes. If you cannot do this by yourself, seek help and support.

All of the very best for the remainder of 2024! Focus on your mental health, celebrate how far your have come and enjoy every moment! Until next time.