10 positive ways to easily boost your mental health

According to the mental health charity Mind, one in four Britons will experience a mental health problem in any given year.

It’s an issue that has come into even sharper focus for many, thanks to the isolation caused by Covid restrictions, the stress of homeworking, and financial challenges the pandemic may have brought.

That’s why the charity is holding it’s Time to Talk Day on Thursday 3 February 2022. The national day aims to encourage people to discuss mental health and feel comfortable about it, creating better understanding and greater support within communities.

If you’re starting 2022 with a pledge to take better care of yourself, discover 10 excellent ways you could boost your mental health.

1. Connect with others

Having meaningful relationships with others helps boost mental health. Building a social network by communicating with others and sharing thoughts and feelings can be extremely positive.

The NHS explains that it can help give a sense of belonging and self-worth, while also providing emotional support when you need it. It also allows you to share positive experiences with others.

2. Reframe unhelpful thoughts

According to the NHS, the way you think, feel, and behave are linked. This can result in you developing thought patterns and behaviours that are unhelpful, which is why recognising negative thoughts and changing them to positive ones could help improve mental health.

3. Learn something new

Mind explains that continued learning can enhance self-esteem and encourage social interaction. It adds that anecdotal evidence suggests education could help lift people out of depression.

One reason for this is goal setting, which is often associated with adult learning. It can boost your sense of achievement and mental wellbeing.

4. Be in the present

The NHS explains that it’s important to be in the present moment, as it allows you to notice your thoughts and feelings. It also means you can notice your breathing. The latter is important as breathing more slowly helps you relax, allowing you to get a better perspective of what’s happening around you.

This is also known as being “mindful”, and there are many apps that could help you be more present and improve your breathing technique.

5. Sleep well

Getting good-quality sleep can make a vast difference to how you feel mentally. For this reason, the NHS says it’s vital to get enough sleep. Most adults need between six to nine hours every night.

Make sure you wind down before preparing for bed, and develop a routine, as it programmes the brain and body clock to go to sleep and wake up at regular times.

6. Go out into the natural environment

Whether you go for a walk or volunteer to do work at a local wildlife group, getting outside is one of the best ways to reduce stress levels. Walking outside, for example, not only provides exercise but can also help reduce blood pressure.

7. Do something for yourself

Spending time doing what makes you happy is important, whether that’s enjoying a hobby, taking a relaxing bath, gardening or doing a crossword. The NHS reveals that taking time for yourself helps reduce stress and can help bolster your self-esteem.

It also allows you to forget your worries for a while, helping to boost your mood.

8. Laugh out loud

A recent article by the Guardian reveals comedy could soon be prescribed by NHS doctors. The article dovetails into research that suggests laughter soothes tension, increases optimism, reduces stress and stimulates the release of “feel-good” hormones such as dopamine.

9. Eat well

Research suggests that a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables can help boost your wellbeing. Eating a well-balanced nutritious diet can help you to think more clearly and feel more alert. It can also improve concentration and your attention span.

10. Exercise regularly

The Mental Health Foundation reveals that exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and negative moods. It can also boost self-esteem and cognitive function. Even a 10-minute brisk walk can increase your mental alertness, energy and result in a more positive mood.

Get in touch

We hope you find this blog both interesting and useful. As we always aim to help you reduce stress around your finances, call us if you want to discuss your financial situation or investments.

Just email us at info@harperlees.co.uk or call on 01277 350560, we’d be happy to talk.