Mental Health Awareness

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, 9-15th May.

We have all been impacted by mental health challenges in someway, and perhaps still are, therefore I wanted to share a few of my most useful tips that have saved me and made things just a little easier through challenging times:

1. Stay in contact with loved ones: whether a family member, friend or colleague, reach out. Sometimes we like to keep things bottled up inside, however there is a danger of us filling this 'bottle' up and exploding, which is what we want to avoid. Don't be shy, don't be afraid, don't be embarrassed, there is always someone there for you even when you think you are alone (including numerous professional organisations whose job is to help you) 💚

2. Take time to get out in the fresh open air. Being out in the open (find somewhere green where possible - we all have a park near us) helps boost our mood (mental health) as well as any type of movement supports our bodies (physical health). Whether you want to enjoy a brisk walk in nature, run, stroll, simply sit, get out there 🚶‍♀️🚶

3. Eat well: Making time to cook something fresh & nutritious everyday not only boosts your mood and energy by being creative, it also ensures you eat!
   
   Cooking from scratch gives you the responsibility to 🌱 cook with ingredients you love 🌱cook with fresh ingredients (try eating the rainbow, using fresh vegetables and fruits in your meals and for snacks) 🌱try out new recipes 🌱ensures you get the right nutrition by including a variety of plant-based proteins, vitamins, fibres & fats. It doesn't need to cost the earth or take up your time, however what it does do by eating well is to boost both mental and physical wellbeing.
   *For tips on HOW please get in touch* 🥣🥑

4. Keep the body hydrated. Drink at least 8 glasses of room temperature water every day, starting off with a glass first thing in the morning. This helps to hydrate all your vital internal organs, wash away toxins as well as hydrate your brain to kick start your day the right way 💧

5. Make sure you have something to do everyday (whether it is work related, hobby related, running an errand, shopping, housework, calling a friend, meeting up with a friend, going for a walk) whatever it may be! This helps give purpose to the day 📚

6. Mindfulness: Take a moment to pause and reset. Take some time to simply be instead of doing. Whether in a quiet part of your home or out in nature, take some time for deep breathing, being aware of your surroundings, quietening the mind and simply resting & relaxing body and mind

7. Journalling: this is a great way to release your internal thoughts onto paper (no-one has to see it), write down your innermost thoughts and feelings, write any goals/dreams you want to achieve and once it is written down, you can look back on it weekly/monthly and check how you are doing. This will show areas that may need support with or indeed show progress with a view to find inspiration to keep moving forward

Life is a journey, not a race! Remember that we ARE all in this together although we may have our own paths to follow. NEVER feel that you are alone.