Last Sunday marked the end of Mental Health Awareness Week, and while recognising the ongoing struggle to end the stigma against mental health is important, it’s too easily forgotten that this is an issue affecting men and women alike, all year round. Feelings of low mood, anxiety and stress, are often exacerbated by the hectic 9-5. So, while we wouldn’t dare to unpick the broad subject in a 3 minute article (and ongoing issues should be addressed with a doctor), daily self care is something we can all get on board with. From finally hitting play on that mindfulness podcast, to simply taking some “me time”, here are some ideas to try.
By Danielle Petch
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1 Make a date with yourself
With open talks on mental health becoming more and more prevalent, self care has never been more important. Some companies now allow ‘mental health days’ for employees to take a time out, should they need to. Toxic thoughts are common to those suffering with their mental health, so acknowledging these feelings is paramount to getting better. Rule number one of self care is – bingo – taking time out to care for you. Whether that’s a day off to take time to pamper yourself with a long, hot bath and a good book, or a day curled in bed with your one true love (Netflix) – reward yourself in whichever way you know how. You deserve it.
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2 Relax, take it easy
Anxiety. While unavoidable in certain circumstances (the thought of presenting in front a classroom still gets my heart racing), there are ways to help manage the side effects of anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation help to ease those panicked feelings, so try self help books or audio meditation. The key to calm is through controlled breathing and training yourself to clear the mind, and just 10-15 minutes practice a day can greatly improve mental wellbeing (and the ability to remain cool as a cucumber on a packed Central Line train). As well as aiding physical injuries (through sport or strain), massage can also help, by promoting feelings of relaxation and relieving tension.
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3 Digital detoxing
While “digital detoxing” has become the zeitgeisty term of the decade, taking time off from the influential effects of social media has been argued to help boost self-esteem. If you can't sacrifice your daily #avotoast uploads (trust me – I get it), then try staying off your phone for an hour before bed. The blue light from the screen can affect your sleep, which is a big no-go for your brain’s happiness. Your phone can do some good, with the invention of mindfulness apps and therapy texting services. A problem shared is a problem halved, but as the thought of unloading it all can be pretty daunting, we’re definitely on board with these digital self-help saviours.
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4 Nourish yourself
With the mind and the body so closely connected, it makes sense that eating a balanced diet, and making sure you get a good night’s sleep on the reg’ will help with your mental wellbeing. Regular exercise, even just 20 minutes a day, has been shown to improve low mood and fatigue, but if a HIIT class isn’t your idea of a good time (I mean who’s is, really?), then a weekly yoga sesh can do just as much good: it’ll help to promote relaxation, and improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Extend your new found serenity into the home, too; as the saying goes, ‘tidy home, tidy mind’, so make time for a good spring clean. Clutter-free surroundings can have a positive effect by promoting calm.
A little pampering could help too, especially massage. With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.