Mental Health Awareness Week: small actions for big changes

Now, more than ever, it is so important to look after our mental health. The current situation is affecting everyone and may have many of us feeling more anxious than usual. This week is Mental Health Awareness week and we have come up with a list of actions that may help you to maintain a happy and healthy mind.

Exercising has many wide-reaching and positive effects on both mental and physical health, and of course we at Sport Aberdeen are huge fitness advocates, however, there are many small changes we can all make to help promote positive mental health.

Keeping yourself motivated is key.

Motivation comes in many different ways, shapes and forms, but one thing we can all agree on is how the current situation is somewhat draining our usual drive. Have a look at these simple suggestions that might help rechange your get-up-and-go!

Music: Create a playlist of your favourite feel-good tunes and play it first thing in the morning. You’ll be surprised how much easier it is to get out of bed to some dance-worthy beats!

Hydration: Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day. It’s important to keep our brain functioning well, allowing us to think more clearly.

Set a daily goal: Set yourself one goal a day. Write it down and tick it off once it’s complete, the satisfaction of achievement can be a real boost to our mental health.

Fresh air: Fresh air is mother natures cure for all. Make time, even five minutes, and go for a walk.

Make time for people who make you laugh: Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals which promote an overall sense of well-being.

Keep your working space tidy: For many of us, working from home has become the new normal. Take time for a little spring clean, de-clutter your working space for an instant injection of calm.

Give yourself at least 30 mins of relaxation time before bed, that means no screen-time!: It’s important to allow our brains time to switch off before we go to sleep. A night of good sleep will help boost mental health.

And last, but by no means least;

Be kind to others:

This may seem an unusual motivator, but don’t write it off just yet. This year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, as set out by the Mental Health Foundation, is ‘kindness’.

Why kindness?

“One thing that we have seen all over the world is that kindness is prevailing in uncertain times. We have learnt that amid the fear, there is also community, support and hope.

“The added benefit of helping others is that it is good for our own mental health and wellbeing. It can help reduce stress and improve your emotional wellbeing.” Read more here.