First of all, we at Mint Radio want you to know that you are not alone. We got you with tips, talk and titillating tunes.
As winter and Christmas fast approaches, meaning darker mornings and nights, unappealing weather, financial worries and milestones for those with lost loved ones; it is not unusual for mood to dip.
If we think of our mental health the same way we think about physical health for a minute; if we wanted to improve our physical health, we would eat well, sleep well, exercise, cut out takeaways and alcohol. We’d feel better and slowly introduce these habits back in, until feeling sluggish and unhealthy again.
Mental health is similar. There are things we can do to maintain our psychological wellbeing. We sometimes do these for a time, and then stop them when we start to feel better. Then what happens? We can start to feel sluggish and unhealthy again.
The trick is to make them part of a routine, and remain consistent where possible – maybe Mint Radio can help you stay on track?
Here are 5 ways that you can maintain your psychological wellbeing through difficult periods:
Activity
Research shows that psychical activity reduces anxiety and depression across all age groups (keep your eyes out for our upcoming depression and anxiety tips to find out why).
Mental and physical health go hand in hand to complete our overall wellbeing. We can make a lot of progress if we begin to see these two as partners, rather than two separate entities.
The physical activity does not have to be drastic, and we don’t have to be super fit. Walking, home workouts, bike rides and dancing along to Mint Radio are ALL forms of activity that can help boost our feel-good hormones.
Connection
Human beings are social by nature. We always have been – even us introverts! If we reflect on what we know from thousands of years ago, when humans moved in tribes. If a member was rejected from the tribe, they wouldn’t survive.
Luckily, we live in a different world now, and no one needs to be alone. Research shows that feeling connected to someone/people and feeling valued is positive for our wellbeing.
When we are feeling low or anxious, we have a tendency to isolate from those around us, which exacerbates symptoms of anxiety and depression in the long-term. If you find yourself isolated or you don’t have any social support, here are some ideas:
- Join a club/group
- Volunteering/befriending elderly
- Begin a new hobby
- Contact us at Mint Radio
Give to others
Research shows that those who participate in community engagement or helping others report being generally happier, with a sense of fulfilment and purpose.
Giving to others could be something from volunteering for an organisation, to checking in on an elderly neighbour. We can adjust what we give to our own core values.
Be Mindful
Being mindful is simply a way of thinking, a way of being. By paying attention, on purpose in the present moment.
This can help prevent the tendency to ruminate when feeling low and prevent worrying which leads to or exacerbates anxiety, and we can make more balanced choices leading to positive outcomes.
Additionally, by being mindful and increasing our level of awareness we can monitor our mood and triggers more effectively, which helps to give us a little head start in managing and implementing techniques.
Learn
We could say that life itself and all of our experiences are opportunities to learn, even if we don’t like the lessons. However, learning new things has been shown to improve cognitive function, self-esteem and have a positive influence on psychological wellbeing.
Blending learning with creative activity can have an even bigger benefit and provide a sense of achievement. Learning a new language, to play an instrument, to knit or paint can all be low-cost activities.
Stay tuned for more tips and mental health talk from the Mint Radio Team, or comment if there are any specific topics you would like to hear about.
We’re with you!