Hope you are keeping well and safe. October 10th is #WorldMentalHealthDay. It's an important day for raising awareness of mental health issues and working to undo the stigma that surrounds it.
Since Autumn is now upon us and darker days are drawing in, I thought I would write 10 top tips on how to improve our moods. Sometimes, in our everyday life, we forget to be good to ourselves. It might be that we work all hours, always put others before ourselves or just simply don't see our own mental health as important.
Yet, our happiness and wellbeing is important. So here are some ideas on things we can do that may help.
· Smile... Even the act of smiling can start to help us to feel a bit better. Turn that frown upside down!
Our happiness and wellbeing is important.
· Get around green...Colour psychologists say that ‘green symbolizes happiness’ Maybe wear some green clothes, use green pens, have a walk where there is greenery.
· Light a candle... Flickering flames can help us burn away stress and anxiety. But please, always be careful with flames and fire.
· Snuggle up with something soft... Studies have shown that getting under a soft blanket for a little while might help us feel more relaxed. Research has shown that contact with soft things helps us!
· Hangout with a pet... Playing, cuddling or just chilling out with a pet can help us to feel happier and less stressed.
· Achieve a goal... Studies show that even the smallest of successes can help us to feel good about ourselves. It might even be something like completing an online puzzle, getting homework done, or doing something that you have been putting off for a while.
· Nice smells... Inhaling scents like orange and lavender can help to reduce anxiety and stress.
· Do something new... Adding something small to a normal routine can help to brighten the mood. So maybe change what you have for breakfast, take a different walk at lunchtime, wear something you might not usually wear.
· Go somewhere quiet... Going somewhere quiet can work wonders for the mood. Even talking a couple of minutes in another room can really help.
· Listen to a happy song... This can really help lift the mood! Stick on a nice, uplifting song and sing along if you feel like it!
Enjoy! I hope you find some of these helpful.
This content is general information only, not advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, please contact a mental health professional or contact the Samaritans.