This post was updated on 27/02/23
Mental health and mental illness are terms used interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has health. In a lifetime, not all people will experience a mental illness, but everyone will struggle or a have a challenge with their mental wellbeing, just like we all have challenges with our physical wellbeing from time to time.
So what do I mean by mental health or wellbeing? It is our emotions, our thoughts and feelings, our ability to solve problems and overcome difficulties, our social connections, and our understanding of the world around us. It is normal to not feel 100% happy all day every day. We all have days where we feel a bit down, stressed or overwhelmed. With good mental health, we are able to deal with those situations practically and in balance.
That’s where self-care comes in. When you regularly carve out time that’s only about being good to yourself and meeting your own needs, you send a positive message to your subconscious. Specifically, you treat yourself like you matter and have intrinsic value. Do something every day that makes you feel good about yourself. Even better carry out 3 self-care activities every day. #3forMe.
If you would like self-care ideas-you can download a list here
So here are a few strategies for your healthy mind;
1. Routine
As I mentioned above, life can seem overwhelming and unpredictable sometimes. By including routine, you can gain a sense of control and you’ll know what to expect from the day. This could mean you’ll be less anxious about things overall. Set yourself small goals, that you build up slowly.
2. Move your body-preferably in nature
Getting outside, having fresh air is so good for the mind, body and soul. I recently wrote a post about my walk in nature, you can read it here. Even if you think you don’t feel like it, within minutes you’ll feel the benefit and your feelings of contentment rise. If you can’t manage much of a walk, maybe perhaps just walk around your garden. Taking in some deep breaths of clean air and you’ll still notice a difference
3. Journal
a) Put pen to paper then just write whatever comes into your head. Do not overthink what you write, it doesn’t have to be structured. It is about getting things out of your head and onto the page. Just that process alone, brings calm, control and clarity. I have found it is a great way to work through what is bothering me and find solutions as I’ve been writing.
b) Or you can use a journal that has prompts and questions. I am getting a lot of value out of using my Daily Greatness journal, which you can read about here.
If you are tempted to try the Daily Greatness Journal yourself, I have a gift for you. With this link you can get 5% off your purchases. Plus there is currently a sale on. Win win!
4. Talk
It is really important to talk about how you are feeling. I appreciate this is not always easy to do. There is a real move at the moment to remove the stigma around talking about mental health, including the hashtag #itsokaynottobeokay You don’t have to put a brave face on all the time. Asking for help shows strength and courage, not weakness.
If you do need help and support, I’ve included a link to some resources Mental Health-Help and Support
There are many, many more and this is a subject I would like to write a lot more about on here-Simply Shine If you have any subjects you would like me to cover, please get in contact.
Above all, please remember that it is okay not to be okay. Be kind to yourself and take care.
