Mental health is hard to talk about but thanks to the past year, more and more people are telling their stories. This blog post includes some of my go-to remedies to help deal and cope with day-to-day anxieties and stresses. Please read with an open mind and choose what works best for you.
It is said that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem within any given year. There are many ways these problems can present, and can lead to serious issues including Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, PTSD, OCD, as well as many others.
The most important thing to remember when either experiencing something for yourself or knowing someone who is, is that there is a wide range of resources and help available.
I hope you will find some useful tips and ideas below to help keep your mental health in good shape.
The environment and your mental health
There are many ways we can draw on the natural environment to help us tackle some of our mental health issues and leave us with a sense of calm and stillness. Freeparks.co.uk is a great site for finding local parks and beauty spots for you and your family to enjoy - just type in your postal code and off you go!
Find ways to relax
Do what makes you happy even if it’s just for ten minutes a day. Doing this once a day will help alleviate any stresses you might be feeling.
Reading a book
This doesn’t always have to happen inside. I find anxiety can lessen if I can feel fresh air around me and grass under my feet.
Taking a walk
Use the free parks link above to find somewhere you’ve never been
Having a hot bath
Using essential oils can be great for relaxation try adding a few drops of lavender oil to help you feel calm and aid sleep.
Making a cuppa
Some people avoid caffeine when their anxiety is at its highest. I like Bird & Blend Co. range of herbal and fruit teas as an alternative.
Finding your favourite programme on the telly
On anxious days avoid anything to intense, instead opt for something that can make you laugh.
Listen to some classical music
I cannot explain how much this helped me during an incredibly tough time. I have always loved classical music but now it is the first thing I turn to in order to relax my anxiety.
Take a break
Walk away from a stressful situation
The worst thing for our anxiety sometimes is to surround ourselves with negative people or stress. Know when to walk away and do what is best for you.
Try taking some deep breaths
Deep breathing exercise are a great mindfulness exercise. You can find a range of deep breathing and meditative exercises on YouTube.
Do something you enjoy
Call your friend for a natter
A problem shared is a problem halved. trust me on this one.
Cook your favourite meal
Play with animals
(my personal favourite)
Tech free time
Put your phone on silent
It won’t hurt to be unreachable for ten minutes a day.
Shut down your laptop for a bit of time away from social media
Social media while great for communication has some serious flaws in terms of worsening peoples anxieties and fears. Nothing is ever what it looks like on Instagram, so know when to call it quits and shut it down.
Connect with others
Volunteer at your local charity
Online volunteering
Talk to friends or someone you trust if something is bothering you
Look after your physical health
Eat right and drink lots of water
Try some mindfulness activities such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises. You can even try these outdoors to maximise your interaction with nature.
If you feel you are struggling, it’s important to feel you are able to reach out. Below are some links to various mental health charities who can help you and support helplines. Take your time and find the right help for you.
Website links