This month, let’s take a look at our mental health
In our busy lives, it can be easy to overlook our own mental health, but even easier is to overlook the wellbeing of those around us. The coming week brings us World Mental Health Day, on October 10th, which is the perfect opportunity to raise our awareness to the importance of comprehensive support.
As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, the topic of mental health can become increasingly important for many of us, but it can begin to feel even more relevant when we look back at the political, environmental, and social turmoil that have been present over the past few months.
While there are many aspects of life that relate to our mental health, the focus for this year’s Mental Health Day is workplace wellbeing. For many of us, a great deal of our time and energy are spent within some form of work environment. Shining a spotlight onto this topic allows us to appreciate how important it is that we consider our mental health in many different ways, including the communities we inhabit.
So, what can we do for our mental health today?
Remembering to breathe: It is truly incredible how much something as simple as our breath impacts our mood. Learning how to practice mindful breaths can help to bring moments of calm into potentially difficult moments.
Focusing on our bodies: Remembering to be kind and to take care of ourselves by choose nourishing foods and taking part in the kinds of physical activities we enjoy can make a great impact upon our wellbeing.
Setting aside the time for ourselves: Scheduling in an hour or two each week to solely take care of ourselves allows us the time for reflection and rejuvenation. This can set us up to be more focused and effective in the work that follows.
Showing support and getting involved: While not all of us struggle with maintaining a balance of mental health care, it is more than likely that someone around us is struggling. Showing that self-care and mental health are important opens the opportunity to be a support structure for those who may need it.
Evaluating and coping with stress: whether we like it or not, some degree of stress is a natural part of life. Learning how to better cope with stress when it arises is a vital key to our mental health and resilience.
Taking a look at our support systems: Being able to share and rely upon others, in many capacities, can make the difference in feeling safe or fearful.
Showing appreciation: Telling the people who support us how much they matter reinforces their importance and
Utilising resources: There are many tools to take advantage of this month in order to bolster our mental health awareness and self-care practices. Start by taking a look here and be sure to share what works best for you with others!
Will you be making any changes this month?
Be sure to share your thoughts, practices, and mental health resources in the comments below!
Happy sharing!
Sam
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash