During the past year the effects of Covid-19, isolating and lockdown have been challenging for all of us. Mental Health Awareness Week, running from 10 – 16 May, organised by the Mental Health Organisation, highlights what we can do to maintain good mental health.
1. Talk about your feelings – Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.
2. Keep Active – Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help concentration, sleep, and feel better generally. Exercise keeps the brain and other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health
3. Eat Well – Your brain needs a balanced mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well – just like the other organs in your body. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health.
4. Take a break – A change of scene or a change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be simply taking a lunch break at work, or a weekend exploring somewhere new – something we will be able to do very soon.
And of course Drink Sensibly – Water is an important element of maintaining good physical and mental health and dehydration may increase the risk of anxiety and depression, among other mental states.
So remember to reach for a refreshing cool glass of water regularly throughout the day. Test your hydration levels the next time you visit the loo with the WHA Healthy Hydration Chart.
