IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH

SIX WAYS TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH

It’s 2pm and I’m still in my pajamas. I told myself I would actually complete the list of jobs I had set out for myself which included cleaning the car and sorting through my clothes. Yet, here I am, 7 episodes deep into Dr Death on Netflix.

I know I’m not the only one. Lockdowns can drain our energy and the subconscious knowing that we don’t have anywhere to be, allows our procrastination to reach unheard of levels.

The vicious cycle of laziness can cause many of us to enter a negative headspace. Where we were once super organized, motivated and social, we may now feel fatigued, lazy and introverted.

Here I would like to share 6 things with you to help make your lockdown easier on your mental health.

Get outside for a walk at least once a day. Immersing yourself in nature can be such an amazing healing experience for your body. Walking is shown to reduce levels of stress and anxiety and getting out of the house can help alleviate the sense of entrapment. Try and leave your phone at home and practice being present in the moment. Stop and look up at the leaves swaying in the tress, notice the sounds of the birds above, smell the crisp fresh air. Focusing on the present can evoke a sense of calm which is perfect if you are in a negative headspace.

1. Set a routine. This can be challenging but try and keep it short and simple. If you are working from home aim to avoid any distractions until after lunch. Use your morning to complete at least one task, this is made easier by knowing you can relax and veg out in the afternoon. You will find that once you start, you will be more inclined to keep going.

2. Take a break from electrical devices. Getting up from the couch or walking away from the computer for even 5 minutes is so beneficial. Go outside and stand in the sun, pat your dog, check the letterbox. By taking a short break, you allow your mind to rest and refocus.

3. Try and challenge yourself in a creative way. This might look like completing a difficult puzzle or learning how to solve a Rubics Cube. Try to select something that is enjoyable and not work related.

4. Practice gratitude. It is impossible to feel fear and anxiety when you are focusing on gratitude. Simply spend 5 minutes each morning writing down a few things that you appreciate in your life. It could be the smell of the roses in the garden, the love from your dog, the fact you don’t have to commute to work at 5am. Whatever it, try to look for the silver linings in each day. When you focus on the good, the negative doesn’t seem so intense.

5. Connect with friends and family. There is nothing better than getting a call from a loved one randomly. Use your lockdown time to reach out to people you care about. You might have a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Maybe this is a great time to actually returns Mum’s call. Staying connected socially allows you the space and time to open up if you aren’t feeling great. Be honest about how you are feeling and share your highs and lows.

Give some of these tips a go and we promise you will start to feel better in no time.

Stay positive and safe, and we look forward to seeing you in the club!