Looking after yourself

Looking after yourself

We’ve pulled together a list of tips and advice on how you can manage, improve and maintain your mental health, as well as some services you can turn to for support if you need it.

Exercise

Regular exercise isn’t just good for your physical health, it’s also amazing for your mental health! It can help boost your self-esteem, creates feel-good chemicals in your brain, and helps you release stress and tension.

Exercising doesn’t just mean going to the gym or competing in sports. Walks in the park and even housework can keep you active!

Sleep

Getting a poor night’s sleep can leave you feeling sluggish and down. It’s important you get as much sleep as both your mind and body need.

We all wish that we could fall asleep at the click of our fingers, but sometimes that isn’t always possible, especially if you’re feeling worried and anxious.

Relaxing before bedtime and getting yourself in to a solid routine is a great way to help you drift off into a deep sleep.

You can also listen to audio books or podcasts as you unwind, which don’t require staring at a blue screen. Try to not use your phone, or any other digital device past 9pm too!

Keeping in touch

It’s been proven that keeping connected with your loved ones and maintaining strong relationships with your friends and family is amazing for your mental health.

We know there’s nothing better than catching up with someone, whether it’s in person, by dropping someone a text message, or having a chat on the phone or a video call.

We’ve put together some handy guides on how to navigate the world wide web, and how to use apps like WhatsApp, Zoom and more so you can keep in touch with your loved ones.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a mind and body approach that can help you manage your thoughts, feelings and your mental health.

Using techniques like mediation, breathing and yoga, mindfulness exercises help you pay attention to the present moment and be more aware of your feelings.

Practising mindfulness regularly is proven to give you more insight to your thoughts and feelings and can help you improve your relationships.

For more information on mindfulness, look at Mental Health Foundation’s website.

Services

If you feel like you need an extra helping hand to manage and maintain your mental health, and you’re struggling to cope, it’s so important that you ask for help.

We’ve listed some fantastic organisations that you can contact for support below.