Tips to Help You Stay on Top of Your Mental
Health
Taking
care of our mental health has taken on new importance for many of us. For many
of us, the realities of COVID-19 have massively impacted our mental wellbeing.
Staying on top of self-care and ensuring you are looking after yourself and
your mental health is extremely important.
But if
you can spot the early signs of your mental health declining, you will be able
to take action and find help before you begin to feel overwhelmed. Here are
some tips to help keep your mind and body balanced throughout the remainder of
2020 and into 2021!
Trying to Squeeze in Daily Exercise
One of
the hardest things to do when you are feeling stressed and struggling with your
mental health is exercise. It can be so daunting to even consider attempting a
quick walk, or an exercise routine. Particularly in the winter months, this can
become even harder.
As
difficult as it may be to get in the zone, staying physically active in
whatever form you chose, will help clear your mind and give your brain a little
rest and reset. For some, this could be taking a short run, home exercises or
trying a little yoga. For others, simply taking a walk could be very helpful in
keeping you grounded and giving yourself a chance to breathe in the fresh air.
If
committing to a long-form of exercise feels like too much pressure, try finding
a short exercise or yoga class online that could only take you 5 minutes! Even
attempting short exercise bursts could help trick your brain into wanting to exercise
more frequently.
Self-care
This is
something that can commonly be overlooked. For some, trying out holistic
self-care could be extremely beneficial. This could include
meditation/mindfulness, pampering, using essential oils or having relaxing baths.
There
are extensive amounts of research showing how holistic self-care can positively
improve your mental health. Meditation/mindfulness, essential oils and bath
salts have been shown to relax your body, mind and muscles, which then helps to
relieve stress and raise your mood.
For
others, self-care could simply be checking in with yourself, or doing an
activity that rejuvenates you. This could be reading a book, writing, doing a
jigsaw puzzle, listening to music or a podcast or even creating something.
Hobbies are also a brilliant way to increase and promote good mental health.
When
you are doing activities that inspire and interest you, your brain has a chance
to bounce out of that negative headspace. Connecting with yourself in a way
that relaxes and soothes your anxiety and low moods will have a positive effect
on your mental health and wellbeing.
Keeping Track of Your Social Media Usage
For
many of us, social media has become a very big part of our life. There are some
real positives to having platforms where you can express yourself, be creative,
communicate with family and friends and get inspired. The trouble comes when
you look up from your device and hours have passed.
There is beauty in balance. Make sure you are giving yourself time away from social media and screens in general. This will help your brain rest and process your daily activities and experiences. Social media can be an amazing tool, but when it is overused, it can have a very negative impact on your mental health and general wellbeing.
Too
much social media or negative interactions through social media could also
create high-stress levels, making you feel anxious within your daily life. Try
to listen to your mind and body and figure out when things cross a line from
pleasurable, to damaging.
Getting Plenty of Sleep
This is
something we have heard since we were little, but getting enough sleep is a
massive factor in how well we can function day to day or week to week. The
hours we lose at night can impact how focused we are and how well we deal with
everyday struggles and frustrations. Getting less sleep can cause extra stress
and worry to begin building up, affecting our mental wellbeing.
Having
an evening routine could also help your body get used to sleeping at a certain
time. If you struggle to fall asleep in general, try reading a book before bed,
instead of looking at your screens. You could also try herbal teas or yoga
before bed, to help calm your mind so that it isn’t going crazy all night.
Asking for Help
When
you are struggling with your mental health, it can feel extremely lonely. Yet
it can also seem easier to isolate yourself and stay away from the people
around you that care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There
are people around who want to give you their love and support when you need it
most.
Try
reaching out to family and friends that you can count on, who can support you
through your low periods. Particularly in the winter months, many of us are
more likely to feel low due to the lack of sun and the shorter days. Daily life
in a pandemic is also likely to negatively affect your mental health, as many
of us are feeling isolated from the rest of the world.
You can
also reach out to your university. Now more than ever, universities are making
it a priority to have staff who can support students struggling with mental
health. There are on-site wellbeing support services who can help, particularly
if you feel other’s will not understand.
Additionally,
there are a range of organisations you can contact if you’re feeling
overwhelmed. Health professionals are also there to support you, so don’t be
afraid to reach out.
The
truth is, not everyone can fully grasp what struggling with your mental health
can look like in everyday life. But people are getting better and better at
understanding and listening. Try to communicate with friends and family and
help them understand what you need in those low times so that they can effectively
support you through it.
The
most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. The first step is
to reach out. As difficult as it may be, it is the first step to getting
support.
What Unihousing can Offer You
Maintaining
our mental health is extremely important and remembering that there are
thousands of other students who are experiencing similar things can be very
helpful. It's important that you stay on top of your stress management and
don't leave the important things until the last minute.
Sorting
out your accommodation needs for 2021 is a great way of reducing stress levels.
By having your accommodation ready, you can focus on the things that matter.
Unihousing is proud to offer a variety of student accommodation to
satisfy your needs. Whether you are looking to house share or live solo, we are
here to help. Find out how we can help you.
