10 October 2020 marks World Mental Health Day, and this year’s theme, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘mental health for all’.
During these unprecedented times, our physical health is at the forefront of everyone’s mind – with a focus on keeping healthy, practising good hygiene and adhering to social distancing to protect each other. However, it is within exceptional circumstances that we all need to also look out for our own wellbeing and the mental health of those around us.
At M+A Partners, many team members have been working remotely – necessitating a considerable change to their day-to-day routine and making it harder to have mood-boosting chats with colleagues and friends.
We posted a blog during lockdown about the ‘little things’ that have made us smile – taking walks, enjoying the beautiful Norfolk countryside, baking, eating delicious food, spending time with family or simply enjoying a really good cup of tea and a book.
Sometimes though, we all need a bit more than the little things to help us through a difficult period in our lives. The Mental Health Foundation has a range of practical advice and content to help us all look after ourselves and our mental health.
Their ‘Top 10 Tips’ is just one of their helpful resources – here are some of their simple ideas to help improve our mental wellbeing.
- Talk about your feelings
- Keep active to boost self-esteem, help with concentration and improve sleep
- Eat well, a diet that is good for your physical health is also good for your mental health
- Drink sensibly
- Keep in touch with friends and family
- Ask for help when you need it
- Take a break, sometimes a change of scene or pace can be just what you need
- Do something you’re good at – enjoying yourself can help beat stress
- Accept who you are
- Care for others.
Other publications on looking after your mental health can be found here.
The Mental Health Foundation is promoting a ‘Tea & Talk’ fundraiser, encouraging friends, family and colleagues to come together for a virtual cuppa. So, take some time for yourself this weekend, or during any other moment of relative calm, make your favourite drink and enjoy some peace or uplifting chat time with those that make you smile.