As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are looking at practical tips you can apply to look after your mental wellbeing. Just like taking time and investing in our physical health, it’s important to adopt some new habits to support our mental health even if we aren’t struggling or feeling low, anxious or stressed as this helps us to manage any difficult times in the future.

Tip 1. Be in the Present

Sometimes known as being more mindful, being in the present helps us to gain perspective on our feelings. We can define mindfulness as:

“Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

One of the easiest ways of being in the present is to practice simple breathing techniques by following a sequence of inhalations and exhalations which helps to relieve stress and tension.

Tip 2. Take up Relaxation

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and helps to quieten the mind resulting in a deep state of relaxation. This is particularly important for people who feel overwhelmed by the busy lifestyle where the demands on their time and attention can be burdensome. With time, the benefits of meditation extend throughout the day helping you to cope with stress and remain calm.

Tip 3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Research from the Sleep Foundation shows that adults need between 7-9 hours sleep a night, with older people needing a little less (1). Some of the many ways to promote a good night’s sleep include:

Sticking to a schedule by going to bed at the same time.
Having a restful bedroom and comfortable bed.
Turning off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol near bedtime.
Including physical exercise daily.
Limiting daytime naps

We also have a whole page dedicated to SLEEP tips and tricks

Tip 4. Move Your Body

A healthy body helps to strengthen a healthy mind. Being active, getting outside and having a balanced diet impacts how we feel. Making small changes to our routines every week adds up to making a big difference over the months. Foods that can support your mood include fatty fish (rich in omega-3s), nuts, avocados, beans, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts and fresh fruit.

Exercise makes an important contribution to a healthy lifestyle. From taking a walk in the park or a hike in nature, to a game of tennis or a gym session, getting the body moving helps lift your mood. During high-intensity exercise the body produces hormones, such as endorphins which are known as the body’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals.

Tip 5. Connect with other People

Social interaction is important for our mental wellbeing and although it is hard to be sociable when you are feeling low it is important to spend quality time with family and friends or participating in group activity such as an art group, yoga class, book club or singing in a choir. Even calling a friend for a chat can lift your spirits.

Tip 6. Take Time for Yourself

While having time with other people is important, there is a balance to be struck and setting time aside to pursue a new hobby or learn a new skill is good for our wellbeing. Whether it’s a jog around the park or a relaxing bath, the aim is to find an enjoyable activity which allows you to unwind.

Tip 7. Seek Professional Help

For those people who continue to struggle it is important to seek help from a professional and in the first instance it is advisable to speak to a general practitioner who can make a referral to a specialist.

One of the major benefits of participating in either our Corporate or Private Wellness Programs is that the majority of these tips are incorporated into our teaching. Vibrant Yoga teaching and guidance provides you with a chance:

to be present,
to meditate,
to take time for yourself either on your own or with others
to stretch and strengthen the body, and
to rejuvenate both the body and the mind.

Sharing the benefits of yoga, meditation and mindfulness for both physical and mental wellbeing is at the core of all we do.

(1) https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need

Tips for Maintaining Good Mental Wellbeing