6 Things I Do To Improve My Mental Health

Last year was a difficult one for me with my mental health. Without going into too much detail, one thing I really wanted to achieve this year is self-love and with that I wanted to write a post which includes all the things I do to help me when I’m having a bad mental health day, week or month.

Mental health is unfortunately still a taboo subject, but I want to join those who already are raising awareness for mental health by sharing a little about my experience.

I have a history of severe depression in my teenage and early adult years and have gone through some tough times in my 29 years of life. Without comparing myself, I will say that it could always be worse because let’s be real, it true, things could always be a lot worse and every day I am grateful for my life, family and health and I use this affirmation to start my day.

2018 wasn’t a great year for my general health with my chronic migraines and other symptoms resulting in many trips to the GP and eventually to a specialist at the hospital. My symptoms vary day to day but 99% of the time, I’m suffering with body pains, fatigue, sickness and/or a migraine itself. I’ve written a post about how I live with chronic migraines which you can read here.

When you are having a bad day, finding just one thing to do for yourself can work wonders on lifting your spirits.  I have found, that by practicing mindfulness and self care regularly, I have more control over my mental health than I originally thought and this helps me stay positive even on those bad days.

If you are looking for some direction or inspirations with your mindfulness journey, check out my My Daily Mindfulness Journey and for what self care I use check out 8 Ways I Practice Self-Care Regularly.

LOVE YOURSELF & DO WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE

Remember to love myself by doing things that make me happy – cooking/ baking, listening to music, watching my favourite film or reading

TALK TO SOMEONE CLOSE

Confide in someone you feel comfortable talking to. This is a great talking therapy and a listening ear can do wonders even if you don’t say much, just unloading your worries or doubts to someone you trust can do the world of good

MINDFULNESS

Meditation helps me clear my mind, calm my anxiety and helps me come back to the present stopping me from worrying about the future and even the past. Being in the now helps me see situations clearer. Daily meditation helps give me a clear and positive mindset.

GET ACTIVE

Exercise like the gym, swimming, yoga, pilates or even a walk or a run. During exercise our bodies release endorphins which helps reduces stress, clears your mind and reconnects you to your mind, body and soul. Don’t let the word exercise scare you, find an activity that works for you, there is no right or wrong if it works for you.

SELF HELP BOOKS

Reading self help books (if you are like me), is a way I escape from the world. Self help books are a great way to help yourself through understanding your feelings and to understand mental health through what you can do to help bring positivity back into your life. I’m not saying after one book your mental health issues will go away, not at all. Mental health is always there, we ourselves have to find what we can do to help ourselves one step at a time and one situation at a time. Self help books can provide guidance. Keep a notebook handy to make notes and jot things down that stand out to you, so you can refer back to them when you need them. Having a notebook handy is also great for writing down your thoughts if you don’t feel like you can talk to anyone. Pen to paper is still a way of relieving stress and worry.

REACH FOR YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYLIST OR BOOK

Listening to music or reading a book, can help you forget the world. These sort of hobbies/ activities can really help to clear your mind of whats going on and making you feel anxious and depressed, even if it is only for half and hour or for the afternoon; by distracting the mind can help to make you feel happier.

What do you do to help you during a bad mental health day?

Pinar xo