Glo's Top Tips to Keeping A Healthy Mind

This weeks its Mental Health Awareness Week and whilst we have access to the best nutritionists, holistic experts , mindfulness and life coaches in the business we thought we would share some top tips on how to keep a healthy mind to help boost your mood, build your resilience and increase happiness

1. Value yourself:

Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favourite projects, or broaden your horizons and try something new. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant some flowers, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language. Hobbylark have some great ideas if you are need of some inspiration.

2. Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:

• Eat nutritious meals - Opt for wholegrains, eat oily fish and broccolli,  snack on blueberries, blackberries, nuts and pumpkin seeds and eat more tomatoes .
• Avoid cigarettes 
• Drink plenty of water
• Exercise.  Exercise decreases depression and anxiety and improves your mood.  The charity MIND have complied a list of activities that you can choose from that best suits you and your lifestyle
• Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression.

3. Surround yourself with good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

4. Give yourself:

Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about helping someone in need — and it's a great way to meet new people.  The organisation Do It can  help you find the perfect volunteering opportunity or charity job. 

5. Learn how to deal with stress:

Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Try yoga, do Tai Chi, exercise, do breathing exercises, slow down, listen to some of your favourite relaxing music, take a walk, play with your pet or have a massage.  Also, remember to have fun and smile. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

6. Quiet your mind:

Try meditating, mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy.  Check out this guided meditation on Youtube to  help ease anxiety

7. Set realistic goals:

Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realise your goals. Aim high, but be realistic. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. 

8. Break up the monotony:

Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant. .

9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:

Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems. 

10. Get help when you need it:

Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives. The Mental Health Foundation,  Mind, Childline and The Samaritans do extraordinary work so please check them out if you are in need of help. 

*Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare