Six Steps to take towards Improving your mental health
your mind is always a powerful tool
>An alone time.
I told my boyfriend over the phone, ‘I would love to be alone for the weekend’ even though we had plans. Look, I’m not saying you cancel on your loved ones, but if it is for you, then do it.
An alone time gives you a chance to reflect and connect deeply with your soul. Although it takes you away from others, it is one of the surefire ways to improve your mental health.
Especially if you’re an introvert like me who always needs to recharge.
>A vacation.
If you’re in a financial crisis, it’s alright, an alone time would work just fine but taking a vacation to somewhere quiet works tons. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it definitely has to be away from the bustle in the city.
Listen to the beach water lapping against the shores, walk barefooted, try out various fruit mixes and when you’re back, you will be a much better person.
>A support group.
The same way it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to be okay too. And that group could be your family, a partner, friends, your loved ones … Because they will always remind you of reasons why you should never give up.
And if humans fail, the fur babies never do.
> Set boundaries.
If you want to be better, the last thing you should do is over exert yourself. We understand you want to reach your goals, but set boundaries with yourself that this is the least your mind can do.
And the next point, you know who to set boundaries with? Your toxic exes, the friend who has nothing better to say and more importantly, yourself.
Know when to say no. If you don’t want to do it, then it’s fine.
>Social Media Detox.
There’s a reason everyone talks about detoxing social media because it’s really worked for them and that space could sometimes be terrifying so if you really want to improve your health, set a schedule. Maybe once or twice in a week?
I have no doubt that when you come back, you’re off to a fresh start and please stay off news that will only set you back on the progress you made.
> Try therapy.
When all is lost and you’re in a dark place, we all know the next best bet is to talk to someone and not just anyone but a professional. If traditional therapy is too expensive, here are apps to try out: Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/
7cups: https://www.7cups.com/
Mdlive: https://www.mdlive.com/
Regain (mostly for couples): https://www.regain.us/
Betterhelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/
DoctorOnDemand: https://www.doctorondemand.com/
Amwell: https://amwell.com/cm/
For moods and meditation: Happify, Calm, MoodMission, Sanvello, Moodfit.
And if you or anyone you know needs help: befrienders.org.
To talk about anything upsetting you, contact the Samaritans. (you can contact then 24 hours a day, free from any phone) : 116 123
Or try their email: jo@samaritans.org.
You can also call their Welsh language line on: 0808 164 0123.
If you’re experiencing mental health problems or supporting someone else, call SANEline on 0300 304 7000.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7)
Campaign Against Living Miserably: you can call CALM on 0800 585 858. (5pm- midnight everyday)
If you’re under 25, call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (3pm–midnight every day), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
Or check out this site for more info: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/
Fighting!
