5 Ways to Boost Your Mental Health
When was the last time you took some time to reflect on your mental wellbeing? Taking care of your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, yet it is something that is too frequently neglected.
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. However, there are several simple yet effective strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve your mental well-being.
Here are five ways to boost your mental health:
1. Connect with others
Evidence suggests that connecting with people is crucial for good mental wellbeing, helping us to have a greater sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. Reaching out to friends and family, attending a new workout class, or doing small acts of kindness for people you know or for strangers are great ways to connect.
You could also try doing things for others, such as volunteering in your community or donating to charity shops or foodbanks. Helping others is not only good for them and a good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too.
2. Find ways to be more active
Exercise is not only good for your body, but it's also great for your mind. Physical activity releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good - boosting your self-esteem, improving concentration and improving sleep. Government guidelines suggest adults should aim to do 150 minutes of moderate activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week.
Ways to get more active:
- Try a group exercise class – working out in a group can be enjoyable and help boost your confidence.
- Go for a run or walk around your neighbourhood or local park – even a walk on your lunch break.
- Find inspiration for workouts using YouTube or social media and create a workout at home.
- Grab some headphones and head to the gym – up your heart rate and get that post gym sesh glow!
3. Prioritise self-care
The aim of self-care is to find activities you enjoy that will help reduce feelings of stress and burnout, not add to it. Implement time to these activities on a regular basis and set boundaries for other things, like putting your phone on silent.
Whether that’s physical activity, getting creative or simply watching your favourite TV series, making time for self-care activities that bring you joy will help you to recharge and rejuvenate, allowing you to better cope with life's challenges.
4. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness involves being fully present and engaged in the moment. You might take notice and be aware of your mind, body or surroundings.
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or even paying attention to your senses while doing everyday activities, can really help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This means that instead of being overwhelmed by your feelings, it may become easier to manage them.
Taking just a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness can have a profound impact on your mental health, helping you to become more self-aware and feel calmer.
5. Learn something new
Evidence suggests that learning a new skill helps to improve our wellbeing. It can increase self-confidence and self-esteem and help to build a sense of purpose. Great ways to learn new skills include signing up to a fitness class you have never tried before, read a book about a topic you’ve always wondered about or learn to cook something new.
The satisfaction in learning something new whether as a hobby or for your career will help to get you out of your comfort zone and thinking about something positive.
While many people find physical activity helpful, not everyone does. If you are struggling with your mental health, please don’t suffer in silence. Speak to someone you trust such as a friend, family member or a doctor.
If you’d like to take that first step in keeping active, speak to a member of our team on your next visit or take a look at our Facilities and membership options on our website - JOIN TODAY