Physical or mental?

The link between your mind and your physical body is one that is often overlooked, however looking after your physical health can have a huge impact on your mental health. Your mind and body are all part of the same system so if you body is healthy you can often start to feel mentally better as well. a few simple things can make all the difference in your physical wellbeing, you don't have to run a marathon, but why not try

• Eating well
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting more active - even small increases in movement will help

While even these simple things can sometimes feel like a struggle if you are feeling low, just taking care of yourself in these small ways can make such a big difference. 

Don't beat yourself up

when things are tough and you are struggling to do anything or feeling low, don't beat yourself up. It is ok to take a break from things for a little while and it is ok to say no to things you don't want to do. We often compound the issue by being too hard on ourselves and place unrealistic expectations on ourselves. It is ok to want some time to yourself every now and then and putting unnecessary pressure on yourself only makes you feel worse. So be kind to yourself, think about what you would tell a close friend if they were in your situation and listen to your own advice.

Celebrate your achievements

When we are feeling low, recognising the good things we have done can be even harder than usual. So take time to think about what you have achieved during the day, even if it feels like all you did was get out of bed or get dressed, these can be big milestones when you are struggling with mental health. Keeping track of things you have achieved and giving yourself credit for them, no matter how small you you think they are can help spur you on and

produce feel good hormones. 

Stay in touch

Even though you might want to be on your own, staying in touch with your friends and family is important when you are struggling with mental health issues. Friends can help just by being there and listening. Talking things through can seem daunting but discussing mental health is one of the ways it can become less of a taboo and being open about any problems you are experiencing can help to normalise them. We sometimes think that no one else will understand or know what we are going through but when you open up to friends and family you will be surprised at how often they have experienced something similar or know other people who have. Don't be afraid to talk about your experiences. 

Do something you enjoy

Enjoyable activities that you are good at can take your mind off things for a while and even help produce feel good brain chemicals and hormones. Staying active, even in small ways is a key component of good mental health. Finding a hobby that you enjoy can be a great way to engage your mind in productive activity and meet new people. Check out local clubs near you and find an activity you enjoy. Or if you prefer you can use online video sites like YouTube or MOOC sites like Udemy to lean new skills in the comfort of your own home.