This year has begun like no other. A drone show replaced our annual fireworks festival, We said our final goodbyes to the European Union and a third lockdown has befallen us all yet again.
All within the space of a week.
It is incredibly important that during these irksome times,we keep ourselves busy and active, to maintain our mental health.
So here are some ways to keep on top of your mental well-being!
Keep talking
Maintaining healthy relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. Staying in touch with friends and family – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media- can help us feel less overwhelmed and bring a feeling of comfort.
Take care of your physical self
Exercise is not only for those who wish to lose weight.When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins.These chemicals trigger a positive feeling in the body, increasing your sense of well-being and putting more pep in your step!
Catch up on your Z’s
Although it might be tempting to stay up in the early hours binge-watching a netflix series, getting a good amount of sleep is essential for us to be more productive during the day. It is recommended to get at least 8 hours of sleep in order to function optimally.Sleep also helps the body remain healthy and stave off diseases, making it particularly essential during these times.
Do things you love
Doing whatever you like to do, whether that be reading or listening to music, keeps us busy, calm and can help bring us joy. Hobbies allow us to destress ourselves while remaining mentally productive.
Just relax
Relaxing allows the flow of blood to increase around our body giving us more energy. It helps us to have a calmer and clearer mind, aiding in concentration, memory and decision making. Listening to calming music or even just taking slow,deep breaths can help to alleviate stress and therefore make us more relaxed. Relaxing helps improve our mental wellbeing and reduce feelings of anxiety.
As it’s a vital part of your life,we must remember to put our mental health first during these difficult times.It impacts our thoughts, behaviors and emotions as well as playing an important part in the health of our relationships, and allows us to adapt to changes in our lives and cope with adversity.
