Prioritise your mental health

Our mental health is as important as our physical health, it affects how we feel inside and our emotions. It impacts our daily lives and how we experience things, whether it is work, study, our social life or our self-care. To have good mental health doesn’t necessarily mean to feel good all the time. It is natural to have ups and downs with life’s events, worries and losses.

Tips to boost your mental health

There are several things we can do to take care of our wellbeing. Lifestyle changes and self-care techniques can be a helpful tool to not only manage mental health symptoms, but also prevent them from developing or getting worse. Mind UK has a wealth of tips on self-care suggestions and tips to improve and maintain your wellbeing.

Do something you enjoy

This could reading, listening to music, exercising, gardening, learning a new skill, outdoor activities, art or spending time with loved ones. Find what brings you joy and fulfilment and be present while doing it, focus on the experience and avoid distractions.

Try to manage stress

To manage stress, getting enough sleep, eating well and taking time for yourself is imperative. Take control of a problem and ensure the solution it’s personalised to you, not someone else’s. Sharing with those around you, that you trust, can be a good way to manage feeling overwhelmed.

Keep a mood diary

Keeping a mood diary to track your moods may help you determine what makes you feel better or worse, and equip you with tools to change or manage difficult situations.

Take a break if you need to

Deliberately setting time aside for yourself to allow your mind to rest and recharge.  This also can mean noticing when you find situations difficult and stressful and taking a step away when necessary.

Focus on the present

Pay attention to what is happening right now, instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Appreciate the positives of your current situation and exercise gratitude for the good things in your life.

Setting boundaries

Clearly define and communicate your boundaries by being direct about your limits and how you expect others to respect them. It is okay to say no, you don’t need to feel bad about it.

Time management

Time management plays a crucial part in mental health. Effective time management contributes to significant reduction of stress, anxiety, and overwhelm, which leads to improved overall well-being. Have a diary, whether paper or digital, and plan your day, including work, personal commitment, and dedicated relaxation time.

Work-life balance

Clearly define your work hours and avoid checking work emails or messages outside of those times. Manage your workload effectively by prioritising and focusing on the most important tasks. Delegate when possible to lighten your load and make sure to take breaks to refresh your mind. Discuss any concerns regarding your workload with your manager.

Building resilience

Take steps to look after your mental health every day, regardless of how you are currently feeling or what is happening in your life. Be kind to yourself and reward yourself for achievements, regardless of how small they seem. Develop interests and hobbies to provide you a release from stressful situations. Spend time in nature, go for a walk or spend time in nature.

Seeking professional help

Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more. This includes difficulty sleeping or getting out of bed because of mood, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in things you normally find enjoyable or inability to complete usual tasks and activities. You may find that repeating a treatment that worked for you in the past may help you if your symptoms reappear.

Relationships and mental health

Relationships are vital to our mental wellbeing. Creating and maintaining good connections can combat loneliness and improve mental health issues. Set aside regular time to talk with your loved ones and make an effort to check in regularly. If you find it difficult to express how you feel, write it in a message or a letter. Make an effort to actively listen to ensure you understand what someone is saying to you. Ask questions to bring clarity in your conversations. The NHS in collaboration with Every Mind Matters have a helpful resource exploring the topic of relationships and mental health.

How can Cavendish Homecare help

At Cavendish Homecare, our experienced, compassionate mental health nurses are here to provide mental health care to support you on you journey of wellbeing.

For more information get in touch today on 0203 008 5210 or drop us an email at info@cavendishhomecare.com.