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Eat a balanced diet and drink sensibly
Improving your diet can protect against feelings of anxiety and depression.
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Maintain friendships
Just listening and talking to friends who are feeling down can make a huge difference. So make sure your devote time to maintaining your friendships both for their sake and your own.
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Maintain close relationships
Close relationships affect how we feel - so nurture them and if there is a problem within a relationship, try and resolve it.
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Take exercise
The effects of exercise on mood are immediate. Whether it is a workout in the gym or a simple walk or bike ride, it can be uplifting. Exercise can also be great fun socially.
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Sleep
Sleep has both physical and mental benefits. Physically it is the time when the body can renew its energy store but sleep also helps us to rebuild our mental energy.
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Laugh
A good laugh does wonders for the mind and soul.
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Cry
It is good to cry. Even though it may feel terrible at the time, a good cry can release pent up feelings, and people often feel better afterwards.
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Ask for help when you need it
The longer you leave a problem, the worse it will get. Don't be scared to ask for help from a family member, friend or professional.
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Make time for you
Do you sometimes feel like you have no time for yourself? Make time for your hobbies and interests.
- Remember, work isn't everything
Ninety one million working days a year are lost to mental ill-health in the UK so take it easy.
Where to get help For general advice on how to keep well and to learn more about mental health problems such as depression and anxiety visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk
If you are seriously concerned about your mental health, make an appointment to see your GP. If you would like to talk to somebody immediately call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90. |