4 Tips to Help Improve Mental Health

Following the explosive Oprah interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, heart-breaking revelations about the Duchesses mental health have resulted in a soar in mental health searches. Raising mental health awareness is effective in making real changes as we have recently learned from the government backed funding that came as a result of Love Island’s Dr. Alex’s relentless campaigning. Providing easy and accessible mental health support reduces mental health stigma by allowing people who are struggling with mental health gain the help they need. But what if you can’t get mental health help right away? In light of the suicidal thoughts experienced by Meghan, and due to the overstretched NHS, we’ve rounded up 5 tips to help improve mental health. Whether it’s by doing something you enjoy, talking about your feelings with a friend, or finally reaching out for professional input, we’ve got you covered.

For help and support services, head straight to the bottom of this blog!

1. Exercise

Whilst exercise may feel like the last thing you want to do, the correlation between exercise and good mental health is actually undeniable. The positive effects that exercise has on mental health are endless. Why? Exercise, whether that’s heading on a walk with your bestie, running alone or signing up to an online class, can be a total mood booster. By releasing feel-good hormones and chemicals, it has the potential to reduce anxiety and depression as well as increase your self-esteem. Exercise can contribute towards a better night sleep, allowing you to feel better. Who knew?

2. Journal

If you’re not quite sure you want to open up to your nearest and dearest about your mental health, then investing in a journal and writing down your negative thoughts can be a great outlet. By allowing you to let go of the harmful idea about yourself, you can better control your mental health symptoms, highlight your triggers and learn how to manage them. Writing in your mental health journal daily can give you a greater understanding of the ways in which your self-dialogue damages your self-esteem. Just try it!

3. Do Something That Makes You Happy!

What actually makes YOU happy? A simple way to improve your mental health can really be as easy as doing something that makes you happy. Whether it’s going on a long walk, cuddling with your dog, reading a book or listening to music, sometimes all it takes is a bit of self-love. Sure, it is by no means a long-term solution, but it’s a starting point, which is just as important - trust us.

4. Get Help

Get help - whatever that means to you. It could be going to a friend or family member that you trust, or it could be getting in touch with a professional, but whatever it is, do it. Mental health support can exist in a variety of different forms and with Covid-19 changing the way we work, it’s possible to have conversations online. Relying upon others will no doubt feel daunting at first, but it can be totally liberating and kick start the healing process. Mental health issues vary from person-to-person, so please remember that there’s absolutely no right or wrong way to deal with what you’re going through. Finding the right support, though, can help you receive the help YOU need.

Now you’ve got some helpful ways to improve your mental health, be sure to share this article to your socials! You never know who may need it.

And of course, if you’re looking for mental health support, here are a list of our favourite resources:

CALM - https://www.thecalmzone.net/

Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/