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This week is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, highlighting the impact of relationships on our mental health.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, highlighting the impact of relationships on our mental health.

The charity, Mental Health Foundation, has generated public debate on mental health problems as a growing global health concern and factors that influence our well-being. The charity are calling on people to commit to maintaining good relationships with friends, family and colleagues, which is fundamental to our health and happiness.

How to look after your mental health

It’s important to take care of yourself and get the most from life so here are 10 practical ways to look after your mental health:

1. Talk about your feelings

Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.

2. Keep active

Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, and look and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.

3. Eat well

Your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.

4. Drink sensibly

We often drink alcohol to change our mood but when the drink wears off, you feel worse because of the way the alcohol has affected your brain and the rest of your body. 

5. Keep in touch

There’s nothing better than catching up with someone face to face, but that’s not always possible. You can also give them a call, drop them a note, or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open: it’s good for you!

6. Ask for help

None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don’t go to plan. If things are getting too much for you, ask for help. Your family, friends or colleagues may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear.

7. Take a break

A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be a five-minute pause from cleaning your kitchen, a half-hour lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new. A few minutes can be enough to de-stress you. Give yourself some ‘me time’.

8. Do something you’re good at

What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? Enjoying yourself can help beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem.

9. Accept who you are

We’re all different. It’s much healthier to accept that you’re unique than to wish you were more like someone else. Feeling good about yourself boosts your confidence to learn new skills, visit new places and make new friends. Good self-esteem helps you cope when life takes a difficult turn.

10. Care for others

Caring for others is often an important part of keeping up relationships with people close to you. It can even bring you closer together.

 

Mindfulness

If you want to take a break from your daily routine, sign up for a FREE meditation trial. Headspace is your very own personal trainer, here to help you train your mind. 

Or listen to the free TED talk on mindfulness.