Many people life has been changed or interrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic last year. Here are 10 tips that will help you to look after your mental health throughout 2021. I hope that you will find it useful.
All the information I am giving you is taken from metro.co.uk.
- Limit your time on social media
- Go to bed earlier
- Cut down on drinking
- Exercise more
- Practice self-care
- Reach – out
- Improve your diet
- Keep a diary
- Be more selfish
- Seek help
Enjoy the rest of your day and remember to stay safe.
- Limit your time on social media.
Research has shown that social media can negatively impact our mental health.
Social media can heighten anxiety by increasing your ability to keep up to date
with the activities of other people, which may cause you to develop Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). - Go to bed earlier.
Getting an earlier night will help you feel rested the following day – which is more beneficial to
your mental health as a lack of sleep can heighten anxiety and irritability.
Try turning off your phone an hour before bedtime and not watching anything on Netflix.
Instead, use this hour to relax in your bed without any distractions. - Cut down on drinking
Many people drink more during the holiday season.
These substances can be harmful to both your physical and mental health; alcohol is a depressant
which can negatively affect your mood, and can increase anxiety and stress.
Giving up or cutting down on alcohol could help you sleep better, improve your mood and save you money. - Exercise more
Try to exercise more. Exercise boosts “happy hormones” in the brain known as endorphins,
which will improve your mood and sense of wellbeing. We’re not saying join a gym and live there,
but making small, positive changes can help. Why not try something soothing like going swimming
a plan to go on a walk or a run in the morning? - Practise self-care
For some, it’s a nice long bubble bath with a lit candle and relaxing music.
For others, it’s a face mask, chocolate and their favourite comedy movie.
It can also be reading a book, meditating, or even just saying no to things that
you don’t want to do. Whatever self-care means to you, know that it is not selfish. - Reach out .
People who suffer from loneliness or mental health problems such as depression and anxiety
can often isolate themselves from friends and family. If you’re having a bad time, seek support.
Try to be more trusting and know that there are people who love you and will be there for you.
A coffee with a friend can do wonders for your mental health, and can make you feel less alone. - Improve your diet
Try to make an effort to eat better in the New Year. We’re not talking about counting calories,
but rather getting more nutrients such as vitamins, healthy fats, magnesium –
Research has shown that foods which are rich in folic acid like avocado and spinach and
omega-3 acids such as salmon and tuna, can lower stress. - Keep a diary
Keeping a diary can help reduce anxiety.
Whether it’s jotting down your thoughts and feelings to get them
out of your head or to track your mood daily, this can provide an outlet to clear your head.
Even if you write everything down and then throw the paper away,
it may still help you make sense of things that have been troubling you. - Be more selfish
This isn’t to say that you should make everything about yourself,
but this year, be more selfish by saying no to things you don’t want to do.
If you don’t want to go on a night out, and would rather stay home in your pyjamas
in front of the television, do that. Tell your friends and family when they have upset you,
tell people when they are being hurtful. - Seek help
If you’re struggling with your mental health, ask for help.
See your doctor if you are having a hard time,
and if you believe there is something more going on below the surface,
ask to be referred to a mental health professional.
Don’t feel embarrassed about asking for help.
Mental Perspective 