All this talk about World Mental Health Day has got us wondering… What is good mental health? According to the Mental Health Foundation it is defined by the ability to feel, express and manage a range of positive and negative emotions; the ability to maintain good relationships; and the ability to cope with change and uncertainty. They recommend the following practical steps to take care of yourself, helping to reduce anxiety and other mental health issues.
- Talk about it
- Stay active
- Eat well
- Drink responsibly
- Stay in touch
- Ask for help
- Take a break
- Get a hobby
- Accept yourself
- Care of others
You’ve probably heard versions of this lot before, but is there any harm in reading them again? We think not, especially when they're based on extensive research and practical studies by the Mental Health Foundation. To find out more about the 10 steps, check out their website, which is full of helpful information and fundraising ideas.
It’s important to remember that everyone will have a different approach to staying ‘well’. What works for some people may not work for others. While your friend might benefit from 1:1 therapy or ceramics, you might rely on regular boxing sessions or particular bedtime routines. It’s all about finding what works.
To give you a little inspiration we asked around The Collective office to see what personal strategies our colleagues use to ease their feelings of stress and anxiety. Here’s what they said…
"I go to the gym and spin myself stress-free." Jade
"Yoga, run, swim or have a bath." Heather
“I listen to motivational speakers and read self-help books to help me relax about the future.” Shaneika
"I eat healthy food 80% of the time and comfort food 20% of the time. (It’s all about balance.)" Kejal
"I go to sleep at a reasonable hour on weekdays." Anonymous
"I mediate through the Calm app." Sharon.
"I listen to music that I heard while I was in a happy place or time when I wasn't stressed." Julia
"Eat good food." Elly
“I remove myself from the situation, take a deep breath, tell myself: ‘You've already got the solution to this in your head, you just need to dig it out.’” Steve
"I walk home listening to podcasts." Joseph
"I write things down." Jim
“I watch dog videos." Anonymous
"I get into bed, cuddle up under the blankets and watch coming of age teen dramas." Portia
"Go to quiet places, exercise, talk to my family & friends, see my niece, have long hot showers." Sean
"I breathe whilst holding my diaphragm and wait for the anxiety wave to pass." Anonymous
"I leave my phone(s) at home and find a park to walk in." Robbie
"If I’m finding London life too stressful I’ll go back to my parent’s house in Oxford, it’s a lot calmer there." Olivia
"Herbal tea, CBD." Anonymous
"I remember to count my blessings and I remind myself that it could always be worse." Ola
"I go to the movies by myself because I know I have two uninterrupted hours just for me." Eddie
“I usually take a long contemplative walk and listen to music. On my way back I’ll grab a pizza and have a night watching old favourites like Back to the Future or Mean Girls.” Jovan
"I pick up my camera and go and take nice photos." Kristine
"Meditate, masturbate, munchies." Anonymous