Today is World Mental Health Day which aims to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and well-being. It is a growing problem in Australia and more so now since the pandemic took over a few years ago.
Looking after your health and well-being has never been more important. We are all busy and with the growing demands of work, kids, bills, lifestyle, and everything else in between, it’s no wonder Mental health is a growing problem worldwide.
This year’s topic is ‘Look after your mental health, Australia,’ so we have gone around the office and put together some pointers here to help you out and help you to be kind to yourself.
Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-confidence, increase your energy, and help you sleep better, all of which are important for good mental health. Try going for walks on your lunch break or ride your bike to work or catch up with a friend for a game of tennis or yoga. Every bit helps.
Learning to say no may be difficult for some. Many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks us out after work or needs help on the weekend with moving house or whatever it may be. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to everyone can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability. Say yes when you actually want to and enjoy the company. Always prioritize your time for yourself first.
Spending time outside can help you reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. Take in some of the sun’s rays and get some vitamin D. Studies have even shown that getting outside can help reduce fatigue, making it a fantastic way to overcome symptoms of depression or burnout. Just remember to use sun protection if you are out there longer than 15 minutes.
>Sleep can have a huge effect on how you feel both emotionally and physically. Not getting enough can even cause major health issues. Make a conscious effort to get at least 8 hours sleep and see the difference a good night sleep can do.
The food we eat has a lot to do with our mood, take time to make healthier choices, include more fish, fruit, and vegetables into your diet as well as some nuts. All this can have a positive effect on our mind and brain function, helping us to stay more focused throughout the day. Maybe even try some alcohol-free days.
Did you know that being organised cuts down on stress and anxiety. Plan your day or week using a diary, mark off your to-do list as you complete your tasks. This can be done for home or work. You will feel you have achieved more by looking back at your day and seeing just how much you have done.
Learn to just take 5 minutes a day to relax and think of absolutely nothing. Focus on your breathing, it’s a great form of self-care and relation.
Mental health is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, we all go through some sort of struggles at different points of life, male or female, it doesn’t discriminate. We are all in this together.
Take care and look after yourself.
If you’re struggling and need help from a professional, here are some organisations that can help:
