Five tips to help your mental health

Our mental health is vital to our overall health and happiness.  Each day we can take steps to help our mental stability and agility.

1. Take care of your body
As well as increasing blood-flow and giving you a chance to mentally ‘switch-off’, exercise produces natural endorphins that can improve your mood and give you more energy exercise. Win, win!

2. Watch what you eat
Some foods may actually make your mental health worse, including those high in sugar, fat, alcohol and caffeine. Try to eat fresh and drink plenty of water. The Diet & Nutrition team at Connect Health & Community can help you if you have concerns about your diet. 

3. Surround yourself with positive people
People in our lives who provide a nurturing, positive influence, boost our self-esteem and productivity. Others can have the opposite effect, draining us of energy and making us feel tired and exhausted.  Be mindful of the people you spend your time with, and the media you consume.

4. Set realistic goals
When setting tasks and goals for ourselves, we need to be careful not to overwhelm ourselves with burdens that can seem unwieldy or unrealistic. By breaking a large complex task into small and achievable goals, you can hit targets and enjoy your accomplishments.

5. Learn to manage your stress
Stress can be crippling if not dealt with. When it builds up, stress can make you feel physically and emotionally unwell.  There are countless ways to improve your stress levels, including; talking to someone about your concerns, trying meditation, participating in a hobby or practice that brings you joy, or choosing an “Avoid, Alter, Adapt or Accept” approach to issues or factors in your daily life.

Connect Health & Community Counsellors can help you through the challenges in your life and help you improve your mental health.  To arrange a meeting, contact us today.