What Does It Mean?
We all have mental health and it’s a good idea to look after it as much as you can, just like you do with your physical health. Positive mental health means having a sense of wellbeing, being able to function during everyday life and feeling able to rise to a challenge when the opportunity arises. So by taking steps to look after your wellbeing on a regular basis will mean that you will be more able to cope with the ups and downs of life’s challenges.
Remember, none of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things go wrong. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help.
Thinking Positive: Yourself
Eat Well
There are strong links between what we eat and how we feel. Eating regular meals rather than skipping them or snacking all day is much more likely to help us feel in a good mood. Lots of caffeine, sugar or alcohol can all have a negative impact on our temperament
Keep Active
Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, look and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy
- Go for a walk … maybe take a dog too
- Get off a bus one stop earlier
- Try swimming
- A game of football or badminton
Take a Break
A change of scenery or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a five-minute pause from your regular routine, a short walk in the evening or a weekend or the opportunity to go somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you.
Do Something You Are Good at
What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself helps beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it and achieving something boosts your self-esteem.
Thinking Positive: With Others
Talking
Talking about your feelings to someone you trust can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and by doing this regularly, it means that those feelings will not build up into something you feel you can’t cope with.
Accept Who You Are!
Some of us make people laugh, some are good at maths, others cook fantastic meals. Some of us share our lifestyle with the people who live close to us, others live very differently. We’re all different.
Keep in Touch
Friends and family can make you feel involved. They can offer different views from whatever is going on inside your own head. It doesn’t mean that you have to wait for them to get in touch with you, make a call, send an email or go and visit someone.
Care for Others
Caring for others is an important part of maintaining a sense of belonging. It can be a family member, a friend or someone living nearby. Alternatively, try a volunteering opportunity connected to something you enjoy doing such as gardening. An effort to improve the lives of others is sure to improve your life too.
