Around one in four of us will experience mental health problems at some point in our lives. Our mental health is just like our physical health, although, because we can’t see it we often ignore it or don’t give it the appropriate care it needs.
This World Mental Health Day, mental health charities like Mind are encouraging people to take the first step towards taking care of our mental health. If you’re unsure where to start, Savoo has rounded up 10 simple self-care actions to help you start looking after your mental health.
Plus, at the end of the post find out how you can be in with the chance of winning one of five wellness bundles, courtesy of the brand new Mind and Temple Spa collaboration.
1.Fuel your body and mind with nutritious, delicious food
We all know that eating the right food helps to keep our physical health in check. But how does food affect our mood? According to Mind, improving your diet may help to improve your mood, help you think more clearly, and give you more energy.
Eating breakfast gets your day off to a fantastic start, while slow release foods such as oats, wholegrain bread and cereals will keep your sugar levels from spiking. Staying hydrated and getting your five a day are also really important in helping you think clearly and get the essential vitamins and minerals to keep us mentally healthy.
2. Get active
The benefits physical activity can have towards our mental wellbeing are profound. It’s thought to cause chemical changes in the brain which positively impact our mood. Being active can also bring about a sense of self-esteem, stress-relief, and improved sleep.
You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic or slog away at the gym to reap the benefits either. Research indicates that even modest amounts of exercise can make a difference.
3. Talk about how you feel
Opening up to friends and family can help take a weight off your shoulders in terms of how you’re feeling. It’s really common to worry about what people may think or how your relationships may be affected, but those closest to us can act offer guidance, emotional support and advice. Here are some tips from Mind about how you can start the conversation.
4. Ask for help
While friends and family can provide valuable support, some may find it easier speaking their GP. It can be really hard, especially if you’re already feeling down. But it’s a vital step towards working out how you’re feeling and what the next steps might be. Be honest and open, and focus on how you feel rather than what your diagnosis might be. Your problem is never too small or unimportant.
5. Accept you for you
We’re often our own harshest critic, and a lot of the time we’re hard on ourselves about things we can’t change. Accepting yourself – what you’re great, what you’re not so great at, the fact you don’t look the way you did ten years ago, is vital for improving your mental wellbeing. We are all different, unique, individual and the sooner we embrace this, the sooner we’ll be on our way to living a happier life. Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
6. Stay in touch with friends
Friendships are key for combating the isolation that comes with mental illness. Even if you’re not ready to confide in your friends about how you’re feeling, a simple ten minute catch up can improve your mood significantly. Being in somebody else’s company can help you feel more sociable, more relaxed and less alone.
7. Focus on what you’re good at
Enjoying yourself beats stress, there’s no two ways about it. Spending your time doing something your good at can boost your self-esteem and your mood. Concentrating on a hobby you love can help you express yourself, take time out for yourself, and give you a sense of achievement – all of which are fantastic mood-boosters.
8. Care for others, including pets
Caring for others not only strengthens your relationships but fills us with a sense of being needed and valued. Volunteering at a local charity can help us put our own problems into perspective, while caring for a pet can give you a sense of purpose and improve your mental wellbeing.
9. Drink sensibly
While a drink or two on a Friday can help us unwind, drinking frequently can negatively impact our mental health. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it disrupts the chemical balance in our brains, affecting our thoughts and feelings. Drinking narrows our perception of a situation, and long term can increase anxiety and stress rather than reduce it. Drinking sensibly is crucial for keeping our mental health in check.
10. Take a break
These days, we lead increasingly busy lifestyles. Between going to work, looking after the kids, making dinner, going to the gym and doing the laundry we rarely make time for ourselves. Stepping away from our responsibilities doesn’t have to take a huge chunk out of your day. Run yourself a bath, read a book, go for a walk or pamper yourself. Taking time away from your routine can help you relax, feel calmer and more content.
Win one of five wellness bundles courtesy of Mind and Temple Spa
Temple Spa believes it’s important to live, breathe and love who you are. They’ve partnered with Mind ahead of World Mental Health Day to support their vital work for those suffering with mental health problems.
We know how important relaxation and self-care is for mental wellbeing, which is why Temple Spa and Mind are giving away five wellness bundles worth £116 each. The bundles include:
Repose: a vitamin-rich night cream with a blend of ten calming essential oils. RRP £40
Drift away: a relaxing bath and massage oil with sesame, jojoba and avocado RRP £25
Quietude: a calming mist with Mediterranean essential oils of cedarwood, lavender, orange and frankincense. RRP £25
Siesta: a relaxing, aromatic candle that’ll scent your space with a calming and tranquil aroma. RRP £26
To be in with the chance of winning, go to Savoo’s Facebook page from 7am on Wednesday 10th October and look out for the competition post. Share in the comments section what your favourite way of taking care of your mental health is. You must also ‘like’ the post to be in with the chance of winning. Savoo will also be donating £100 per winner to Mind.
The competition will run for seven days from today until Tuesday 16th October at 23.59. Good luck! Remember you can check out the range of Temple Spa discount codes and support Mind for free through Savoo at any time.
Terms and conditions
The competition is not linked to Facebook and is not sponsored, supported or organised in any way by Facebook.
Every participant who comments on the Facebook post automatically agrees to these terms and conditions.
The competition ends on Tuesday 16th October 2018 at 23.59. The automatic determination of the winners takes place on the following day.
The winners will be picked at random and contacted on Facebook by Savoo, and has one week to respond with their contact details
Five people win a Temple Spa wellness bundle worth £116.
The entrant(s) must be aged 18 or over
Proof of identity and age may be required
No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, delayed or corrupted, or due to computer error in transit.
The prizes are as stated, are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. Also the winner will not be able to receive a cash refund for any amount unspent.
In no case can a cash payment of the voucher be made.
The participants’ data will not be passed on to third parties and will only be used for the processing of the competition.