Today, 10 October, is World Mental Health Day. Sometimes we all need a little extra support, and though today is an opportunity for us all to look at how we can better look after our mental health, it’s important to remember that we should be encouraging open conversations and looking out for each other all year round.
What makes a good day at Carnival UK is different for everyone. Throughout October we’ve been focusing on all things mental health and exploring ways to ‘be kind to your mind’.
Getting outdoors, eating well, or just talking to someone about how you’ve been feeling – there are lots of ways you improve your mental wellbeing. Check out the top tips below from the Mental Health Foundation:
- It’s good to talk: If there’s something on your mind, just talking things through with a person we trust can help and feel like a relief. Talk to your friends. Use your own words. It’ll make you feel safer and less alone, and that will help protect your mental health and prevent problems. Friendships can play a key role in helping us live with or recover from a mental health problem and overcome the isolation that often comes with it. We can end up with the strongest relationships with the people who’ve supported us through hard times.
- Be kind to others: If you’ve ever felt lonely, you will know how much it helps to have even a small connection with someone else. Exchanging a smile or friendly words can be comforting and lift our mood. Research shows that being kind is good for both sides. Being kind can boost our mood, help us feel more capable, strengthen our connections with others and even make us cope better with stress.
- Be kind to yourself: Many of us will know when we’re upset but might not be sure what we’re feeling. Is it sadness, fear, shame, loneliness, anger, or something else? It often helps to give our feelings our attention without judging them, without telling ourselves we’re stupid or weak to feel the way we do. Talking kindly to ourselves, in the same way you might talk to someone you care about, is also important. It can be very comforting.
- Get moving: Research found that going for a walk was the UK adults’ favourite way of coping with stress during the pandemic in 2020. Our bodies and minds are connected, so looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health (it works the other way around, too). Moving our bodies – with sport, dancing, cycling, walking with a friend, cleaning or going to the gym, for example – are great ways to improve our mental and physical health.
- Food to improve your mood: Food and drink affect our bodies, brains and mood. Sugary snacks and drinks can give us a temporary “high” or sense of comfort that can feel irresistible. But they can soon leave us feeling exhausted or jittery. A balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruit is essential for good physical and mental health. How we eat is also important. Having meals with other people can help to grow relationships – with family, friends, partners, and colleagues.
- Sleep well: We all have times when we sleep badly, and some of us live in situations that can make a good night’s sleep impossible. If you’re struggling with sleep, think about making a few simple changes. Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to help you start winding down before you actually go to sleep. Avoid TV and mobile screens, alcohol and caffeine before bed.
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