Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others.
Anyone can experience mental or emotional health problems — and over a lifetime, many of us will.
At reNFT, we are committed to supporting our community wherever possible through amplifying important messages and resources…
With the return to normal post-pandemic being a strange time for many, we constantly remind people to slow down and breathe, because caring for your mental well-being is especially important during a period of uncertainty.
Here are some little things you can do when dealing with change and to improve your well-being today. These tips may work for different people at different times. Make what you feel comfortable with. And try not to put too much pressure on yourself if anything doesn’t feel possible right now.
Try these tips to keep your balance, or re-balance yourself:
Do not avoid things entirely
Avoiding the things that make us anxious can sometimes feel like the easier option in the short term, but this can make it harder to start facing our fears in the longer term. Instead, try to set yourself small but manageable targets, like meeting one person for a coffee or snack outside, or getting a haircut, and gradually build up from there. It can help to confide in a friend or family member so they can support you to overcome your anxieties
Go at your own pace
It might be tempting to make lots of plans and say yes to everything as things start to open up, but there’s no need to rush. Take it step-by-step and only do what is comfortable and safe for you to ease back into socializing — then you can build your social calendar back up as your confidence returns.
Make time to relax
Being able to see more of our friends and family, and visit places that might have been closed until now is exciting. But don’t overdo it; it’s important to find regular time for yourself to relax too.
Challenge unhelpful thoughts
It’s natural to feel worried every now and again, but our anxious thoughts can sometimes be unhelpful. If you can learn to identify and separate unhelpful thoughts from helpful ones, you can find a different way to look at the situation.
Find a routine where you can
During the lockdown, life changed for us all and we developed new routines. Even if your normal weekday or weekend habits change, some things can stay the same. Are there areas in your life where it’s easier to stick to a routine? Something as simple as going to bed and waking up at the same time each day or making sure to stick to your set lunch break can make a big difference.
Reach out
Talking about your mental health is important, but it can also be uncomfortable to open up to others. You may feel that you don’t want to burden other people. You may worry about what they might think about you, or that they could tell other people. You may even be afraid that they’ll laugh at you. But the truth is, people who care about you will want to help you. You just have to ask. Asking for help is the first step towards coping with emotional health issues.
For more helpful advice and support, please head to the CDC — Coping with Stress, the Mayo Clinic, or the Mental Health Foundation sites, all with great resources on healthy ways to cope with stress, including tips and support on how to stay connected, family relations, and ease back into socializing.