Top Tips for Managing Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

‘Managing your mental health and psychosocial wellbeing during this time is as important as managing your physical health,’ World Health Organisation (WHO).

Our work, social and home lives have been disrupted and we don’t know how long it’s going to take to get back to normal; it’s only natural that we’re all feeling a bit uneasy. As we are acclimatising to this new way of living, there are steps we can all take to improve and protect our mental health and wellbeing.

Do what is right for you.

Chances are, this is not your first high-stress situation; you’ve got this, you know what is best for you. Don’t feel pressured into trying other people’s coping mechanisms, so long as you’re adhering to the government guidelines and you don’t endanger yourself or anyone around you, do what’s going to make you feel better; whether that’s cleaning the house from head-to-toe or spending a whole weekend binge-watching an entire series.

Get some sun.

It’s sod’s law that summer found us as soon as we entered a lockdown, but for the sake of our mental wellbeing, I am glad that is not raining. It is no secret that exercise has a positive impact on mental health, as does being surrounded by nature, so get yourself outside when you can. I’m not saying we should all be doing a daily abs blast course in our back garden, but getting some sun could be as simple as opening all of your curtains and cracking open a few windows to let the daylight in.

Uplift others.

‘Assisting others in their time of need can benefit the person receiving support as well as the helper,’ (WHO). Uplifting others is a sure-fire way to uplift yourself. If we all do it, we can build a strong foundation of community and support; we are all in this together after all. If you see a positive news story or piece of information, share it with others; it could make someone else’s day.

Filter your media.

I have said this before, and I will say it again: filter your social media. Whether that’s restricting the hours that you spend scrolling or filtering certain words out of your newsfeeds. We’re not saying to avoid the news, but if social media is making you feel overwhelmed (and understandably so), you can take steps to control your exposure to it. That way, if you want more information you can still actively seek it from your own trusted sources. ‘Get the facts; not rumours and misinformation… Facts can help to minimize fears,’ (WHO).

Express your emotions.

The way that you are feeling is natural and justified and no one is immune to emotion. Don’t bottle it up, express your emotions safely and healthily. Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to in a while or the loved one you tell everything to, it’s good to get it out of your system. Sometimes talking about our feelings out loud is all we need, if you don’t want to talk out loud, write it down; it will give you a chance to acknowledge and process your thoughts.

We hope that you stay safe and take care of yourself in this time of uncertainty. Rest, exercise and hydrate as often as you can. Most importantly, try to stick to positive coping strategies and you will feel better for it. Stay home, stay safe, stay connected and we will all get through this, together.