Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 - Top Tips
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2021, our psychological services team has put together a list of top tips for managing and looking after our mental health, especially now that we are looking towards coming out of lockdown which can seem like a daunting prospect to many of us.
Anxious about the world opening up again? Make a list of what you want to keep from this last year. Is it time alone? Daily prayer? Working from home? Then plan how you might continue to do these things.
Remember that connection to others is vital and a basic human need. Take a deep breath and meet up with people when it's allowed, even if you're out of practice and it feels scary. And keep using the technology available for virtual meet-ups, chats and catch-ups.
Don’t ruminate on things that are troubling you. Rumination shows up in nearly every mental health disorder. The trick is to notice that the thoughts (fears, facts, rumours etc.) are there in your head, but to refuse to engage with them. They’re like buses that come and go; notice them, but focus on the beautiful world around you.
Use your time to invest in what really matters: children, spouse, faith. No one said on their deathbed “I wish I’d spent more time working/cleaning/washing things.” Of course, some things need to be done, but work on investing your time well.
Be creative: write, draw, sew, make music. Creativity is an important part of resilience.
Manage your emotions. This can be done by focusing on what you can control rather than what you can’t. Also acknowledge how you are feeling, note it, and if possible, share it with someone.
Get outside, if possible, for a change of scenery. Being in the fresh air and close to nature is good for lifting our mood. Notice nature and how it makes you feel. Regular exercise is helpful; running, walking or following an online programme.
Switch off media overload, social media and anything that is negative, untrue or causes fear.