How’s your mental-health-o-meter?
Everything is sunshiny? Just about OK? Overwhelmed and drowning?
Just like our physical health, our mental health varies. Sometimes we have an acute issue (short-lived and sharp) or a chronic issue (ongoing, sometimes severe). It can change as quickly as the weather. Some people learn to live with more serious mental health issues just as some people learn to live with physical health issues.
The point is anyone’s mental health can dip and people can find that they suddenly live with mental health issues such as:
- depression
- anxiety
- post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- secondary trauma (a form of trauma that is usually experienced as a result of living with a person who has experienced trauma)
- suicidal thoughts
- self harm
- panic attacks
Here are six simple tips to support your mental health:
- Focus on your breath. Breathe in 2 3 4 and out 2 3 4 5 6 anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
- Nurture yourself with a herbal infusion. Snip the tops off nettles, lemon balm or rosemary & adding boiling water – if you grow your own, even on your windowsill, it’s cheaper and healthier than all those fancy fruity teas and better for the planet too. Double feelgood bonus points!
- Get outside – to the street for walk, to the park to play, on the balcony for a read, in the garden to get dirty or stomp away miles in the countryside. It’s free – more bonus points!!
- Schedule in self-care & stick to it. Whether that’s getting outside or taking some you time. Play cards, listen to music, a podcast, potter in the garden, watch a sunset, stroke a cat/dog/chicken! Booking in a massage or other therapy is helpful as it gives you permission to take time out to recharge.
- Be your own best friend. Write down “I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.” Keep this somewhere handy like your home screen, in your diary, sticky note on your mirror. Notice when negative thoughts such as, “I’m so crap/stupid/unworthy”. Now repeat the four phrases above to yourself & forgive yourself as you would your best friend.
- Be thankful – practicing gratitude motivates, elevates mood and minimises negative habits
Breathe in 2 3 4 and out 2 3 4 5 6 – now check your mental health-o-meter again. Has it nudged in the right direction for you?
We exercise for our physical health, similarly we should do the same for our mental health. Practice exercises like these to keep in good shape & stick with the stuff that work for you to keep your dial in a better place on your mental-health-o-meter.
“Your health at Heart”
Warm wishes, Nicolle