October is Mental Health Month and today is World Mental Health Day. Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness, yet many don’t seek help because of stigma? The World Health Organisation has warned that mental ill-health will be the biggest burden of disease in developed countries by 2030.
It’s so important to know where you can seek help but it’s also important to know how to prioritise your mental health every day of the year.
Here are our top tips for prioritising your Mental Health:
EXERCISE
Regular exercise is great for the mind and body. Doing gentle exercise like walking or yoga are mindful practices that can help bring you into the present moment and quiet the chatter of the mind. Walking outdoors in nature is also a great way to breathe in the fresh air and get some Vitamin D from the beautiful and warm sunshine.
TAKING TIME TO REST
Sleep plays a big part in all every aspect of our lives but can also have a great impact on our Mental Health. Without a restful sleep, we can feel quite exhausted and become irritable that could impact our relationships at work, with family and with friends. Long term sleep deprivation can affect your mental health, your physical health, your safety and your overall quality of life. A lot happens when you are asleep to support your good health, and in children and teens, sleep is essential for growth and development.
START A NEW HOBBY
Find a hobby that is just for you, something that really makes you feel good. Learn a new language, play an instrument, learn to paint. Find a creative way to express yourself. Learning something new and focusing on another goal will also help you stay in the present moment.
SETTING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Living in a world where we feel the need to be constantly connected, whether it be by phone, email or social media, it’s important that healthy boundaries are set so we don’t feel overwhelmed. It is more than ok to disconnect from the digital world for a day, it’s also more than ok to say no to social invitations if you really don’t feel like going, or not answer a call and return it later when you have the headspace to. Your family and friends will understand if you need to take time to yourself, especially if you are practicing this regularly.
SHARE WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND
Find someone you can talk to regularly that will listen without judgement. It’s often that our Mental Health is affected because we bottle things up instead of talking to someone about them. If for some reason you’re not comfortable sharing what’s on your mind with someone, write your thoughts down in a journal. Getting things out of your head onto paper is extremely helpful.
READ A BOOK
Reading a book or listening to personal development books or podcasts is a great way to prioritise your mental health. There are so many tools and techniques available that could help you learn more about yourself and how to manage the days which are more difficult. One of those techniques for example might be meditation.
MEDITATE
Taking the time to meditate each day can help bring you into the present moment and also quiet the chatter in your mind. A few minutes in the morning each day can completely change your mood and how your day will play out.
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is about bringing attention or awareness to the present moment. This is a universal human capacity and can be fostered in the very young or refined as an adult. It sounds easy enough but many people find their minds are indeed, very full, but of worry, anxiety, concern about the future or rehashing the past.Petrea’s Coming to Your Senses is a great practice to do wherever you are in your day.
