4 ways you can support your mental wellbeing

April 9, 2022

1. Permission to snooze, granted!

Sleep is the most vital factor for wellbeing so make it a priority. The amount of sleep needed differs from person to person so it's useful to explore how much sleep is optimal for you and a sleep tracker can help with this. Establishing a routine by setting a regular off to bed and wake up time is useful, if your work schedule permits. Incorporating a regular practice of yoga nidra or non sleep deep rest can be really beneficial too.

2. Keep an ear on your inner dialogue

Self-talk is that stream of inner chatter that we all experience. The goal isn't to stop it but to notice how it skews and how that impacts us. Over time self talk can knock our self-esteem and perception of the world if it's consistently harsh and self-critical. It takes some effort but you can re-program your self talk. Giving yourself time out moments to pause and tune in so you grow your awareness of the content of your inner chatter is a good starting point. Journaling is a technique that can support getting those thoughts out of your head and help create distance from them while you examine, reflect and reframe.

3. Make a move

Movement is powerful because it triggers all sorts of feel-good chemicals as it gets the blood pumping through our muscles, including our grey matter. Exercise also improves sleep, (our number one wellbeing tip), so you're doubling the mental wellbeing effects. A gentle 30 minute walk in the local park each day is a great place to start and can have a real impact on your sense of wellbeing. Over time incorporating some weight bearing exercise will increase the benefits. But the most beneficial form of exercise is the one you enjoy!

4. Get creative

Whether you're experiencing other peoples creative work by going to the theatre or a gallery, or doing your own creative self expression by taking a pottery class or spending the afternoon crocheting, creative engagement enhances a sense of flourishing and is strongly associated with boosting positive emotions. As with exercise the best form of creativity is the one you like and enjoy, but if you don't think of yourself as creative and aren't sure where to start, get curious and experiment! Pop into a gallery, head to a concert, enrol in an art class or watch a YouTube how-to. The possibilities for creative engagement are endless.