In a world where you can be anything, be kind
October 10th is World Mental Health Day. An incredibly important day which is acknowledged every year, reminding us to be kind to ourselves, our health and others too. “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”~ Jennifer Dukes Lee
There’s a lot of international and national awareness days, and when we say lots, we mean lots. From National Chocolate Day to Bean Throwing Day (yes, there really is a National Bean Throwing Day). But one of the most important days, the day which encourages us to be kind to our mind, not only today but all year round, is here. World Mental Health Day.
Let’s get to the nitty gritty, the important stuff. What actually is mental health? The Mental Health Foundation explains that ‘if you’re in good mental health, you can:
• Make the most of your potential
• Cope with life
• Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends’
Our mental health can play a huge part in how we think, feel, act and behave. Sometimes these thoughts and feelings are difficult to understand and may not be rationale, considered, necessary or come from a logical place. If your mental health isn’t great, it can have a huge impact on day-to-day life, interactions and even doing the most basic tasks can feel extremely overwhelming. If you’re feeling like this, it’s important that you ask for help. Asking for help doesn’t mean that you’re weak. In fact, it means quite the opposite. You’ve been brave enough to admit that you need some support.
It's also important to remember that you’re not alone either. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 are dealing with mental health challenges.
World Mental Health Day is all about raising awareness of mental health, and driving change when it comes to how mental health is perceived, treated and spoken about. It’s time for us as a society to champion this change, and get comfortable talking about how we’re really feeling, as well as asking others how they’re feeling too.
It isn’t a phase or ‘a trend’ – the different mental health challenges
Just because more people are talking about mental health, doesn’t mean that it’s a trend or phase. The more we talk about it, the better it will get.
It’s not easy to talk, but we promise, if you do, you’ll feel a whole lot better for it.
It’s also important to highlight the impact mental health illnesses can have on loved ones. As a family member or friend, you may feel increased tension, uncertainty and stress whilst trying to navigate mental health challenges. So, make sure to look after yourself too.
Whether you know someone with mental health challenges, or have a mental health illness yourself, it’s important to reach out and talk.
Be kind to your mind
Your mind is what powers your actions and your thoughts, so it’s important to be kind it.
Everyone is different. Because of this, everyone uses different techniques and approaches to improve their mental health. The great thing is, there are lots of different methods that you can use to improve your mental health, and you can pick the best ones for you and your individual situation.
Your mental wellbeing is something that needs constant effort and attention. Here are some of our top tips which you can try:
• Reconnect to nature to recharge the batteries- Try walking around the block, even if it’s just for a short amount of time. Fresh air is good for the mind and the physical too.
• Put pen to paper - Journaling is a great outlet…make a note of how you’re feeling daily. Celebrate the wins.
• **Try a new work-out -**Exercising is great for feeling good. When you get moving, chemicals like endorphins and serotonin are released, helping to improve your mood. You can utilise our partnership with digital fitness provider, FIIT and choose from 1,000+ classes, allowing you to work out from anywhere.
• Food and mood - It’s no secret that what we eat affects how we feel. Make healthy choices but don’t feel guilty about indulging when you need to.
• Social connection…connect and confide – this doesn’t mean you have to say YES to all plans, but it’s important to have people around you to talk to that you can rely on
• Good sleep and repeat - Make sure to get a good amount of sleep as often as you can, so that your body and mind can repair and restore.
Mental Health Support with MYNDUP
Whether you're needing life advice from a life coach or support and guidance from a therapist or counsellor, our partnership with MYNDUP allows you to access 1-1 health and wellbeing sessions, including: therapy, counselling, life coaching, career coaching, mindfulness and meditation.
Remember to be kind to your mind and talk when you need to. You’ve got this!