News alert: self-care isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessary part of taking care of your mental health. Here are 6 ways to do exactly that…
Listen to music
Listening to music stimulates our brains to release more dopamine, which is a ‘feel-good’ hormone. Upbeat music has been shown to make you feel more positive, while a slower tempo will help relax your mind (and your muscles!) – and if listening to music makes you feel like dancing, that will give you a mood boost, too!
Drink water
Staying properly hydrated is crucial for both your physical and mental health. In fact, a study that was carried out in 2018 found that people who drank less water were more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. And if that’s not a good enough reason to drink up, then perhaps the fact that water plays a role in preventing constipation and normalising blood pressure, boosts skin health and is good for your brain will be the reminder you need to stay hydrated.
Walk outside
Want to lower your levels of the stress hormone cortisol? It could be as easy as heading outdoors. Whether it’s going for a run, enjoying a leisurely stroll or just kicking back and soaking up the fresh air and sun, spending time outdoors will help reduce stress and may improve your focus and concentration. Spending time in the sun also helps your body absorb vitamin D, which it needs to absorb and retain calcium.
Practice gratitude
Now here’s a mental health game-changer: start your day (or end your day – the choice is yours) with gratitude by making a mental list of three things you are grateful for. Just this simple act will reduce stress, boost positivity, encourage you to adopt heathier behaviours and make you happier – and it can all be done in less than 1 minute a day!
Declutter
A cluttered home means a cluttered mind, which can make it more difficult to fully switch off and relax. Start with your sleep space: a tidy, calming, environment will lower your stress levels and help you fall asleep quicker. Yes, decluttering the whole house would be a big chore but start small and, if you’re really stretched for time, try to fit the decluttering into your ‘waiting time’. So, while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or for the kids to brush their teeth. All those small tweaks will make a big difference.
Take a nap
Ditch the idea that you need to ‘get things done’ when your baby is down for a nap – what you really need is to rest when your body tells you to. Your to-do list will still be there when you wake up, and you might even feel fresh enough to tackle it after resting. If you struggle to sleep during the day, you can still take that time for yourself. Use it to do some gentle stretching, deep breathing, or meditation. Down time (and alone time!) can work wonders for your mental health.