Mental health awareness and tips

February 27, 2020
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Posted By: Gemma Halpin

 Mental health awareness and tips

 

How do you define mental health?

Your mental health refers to you behavioural, physical and emotional health.

Why is good mental health important?

Good mental health is important because it is a crucial part of your life as it effects your emotions, the way you behave, your mind and your thoughts. It is important to have good mental health at all stages throughout your life from childhood to adolescences. Having good mental health can improve your productivity in activities (work, school etc.), it helps us maintain good healthy relationships with family and friends and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 

Here are some tips to improve your mental health

  1. Get a good night’s sleep; we’re not able to function effectively or at our full capacity without enough sleep. You need about seven to eight hours of sleep a night. So if you aren’t getting enough sleep then go to bed an hour earlier if you can. Those extra minutes can help improve your health.
  2. Exercise; Moderate exercise can help improve your mental health and self-esteem. If you are having a bad day and are feeling down go put your runners on, put your ear phones in and your music on and go to the gym/run or even for a 20 minute walk. It has been proven that exercise can change your mood.
  3.  Eat heathier; a good diet will keep your body healthy and your mind alert. Eating healthier can have positive impacts mentally and physically.
  4. Make time for family and friends; when you have better relationships with you family, friends, work colleagues etc. you tend to be healthier and happier. Having a strong support system of people who genuinely care about you can help you during difficult times.
  5. Invest time in you; as well as it is important to make time for your friends and family - it is also important to invest time for yourself. This allows you to de-stress from everything stressful that is going. This can mean a variety of different things (i.e. meditating, reading, going somewhere for the weekend, etc.) Find something that works for you to unwind and revitalise yourself.
  6. Express your feelings; if/when something is effecting you, mentally or physically expressing your feelings or troubles to family or friends can make a big impact and difference in how you are feeling. It can also relieve stress and anxiety. Learn how to open up.
  7. Accept help when you need it; we are only human - we are not able to do everything on our own. When you feel like you need help, be sure to ask for it. It will help will lessen levels of anxiety and stress.

Always remember you are not alone

“It’s okay not to be okay.”

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

If you are looking for some websites to research more on mental health and mental health awareness please find some below;

https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/

https://www2.hse.ie/mental-health/

https://www.stpatricks.ie/

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