Nourishing Mental Health: Self-Care Tips Everyone Can Use

Mental health is a popular topic of discussion these days but there’s still a long way to go. We tend to think about our bodies rather than our minds when we talk about health, but in truth, we can all take steps to protect and nourish both our physical and mental health. In this guide, we’ll offer some self-care tips everyone can use. 

Exercise

We all know that exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular health and building muscle mass but did you know that it’s also a powerful natural mood booster? When you move your body, you release endorphins and the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain increase, making you feel great. You don’t have to live in the gym or commit to grueling home workouts every day to benefit from being more active. Simple things like going for a walk every evening, doing yoga in the morning or cycling or jogging to work can make all the difference. If you’re new to the world of exercise, aim to build your fitness gradually and try to have fun. Vary activities, try new sports and look for classes that are suitable. From Pilates for teens and beginner’s HIIT sessions to running classes for mums, outdoor training and taster sessions for open water swimming, there’s something for everyone. 

Rest and time out

Do you ever feel like you’re a hamster on a wheel, or that there aren’t enough hours in the day to actually enjoy life? We have become accustomed to living our lives at a hundred miles per hour. While this may be exciting at times, it’s essential to take time out to rest, recover and recharge your batteries. Running on empty can affect your mood and your energy levels and it can also make you more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Manage your schedule, give yourself a break and devote time to activities and hobbies that make you feel relaxed, content and calm. 

Relationships

The relationships we have with others can have a major bearing on mental health and wellbeing. Often, our friendships, the ties we have with our families and relationships with partners can make us feel incredible but they can also be detrimental to mental health. Try to surround yourself with positive people who lift you up, make you laugh and make you feel comfortable, confident and secure. Avoid relationships that make you question your worth or make you feel anxious, sad or frustrated. It's common to lose touch with people and for social circles to shrink with time, and this is not always a negative thing. If people put you down or you feel on edge when you are around them, it’s important to protect yourself. If this means seeing them less, this is a positive step for your mental wellbeing. 

We tend to focus on symptoms or conditions when we talk about mental health. In reality, we all have mental health, and everyone can take steps to protect and nourish their well-being. Even if you’re happy and you feel good, you can utilize these techniques and tips to enhance mental and physical health.