What do you usually do to look after your mental health and well-being?

Margusha

I use diversions, like hobbies to take my mind of my Disability and mental health issues. I read a lot although I forget content. Most of my books contain pictures of my travels.

I do gardening we have an orchard and I look after my trees. I also come on here to lift my mood.

Diversions are a good idea, you are the only one who knows what you enjoy doing, Sometimes people listen to music or taking the dog out for a walk. We live in the countryside, not far from the beach so we can do that, if you have a park nearby use the park, go for walks.

In many areas they have Day Centres where people with mental health problems can go, most people with depression and Anxiety get a great deal out of mixing with people with similar problems. I always found talking to like minded people lift emotions and help put things into perspective

BOB

I drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. Most people struggle with their mental health at some point in their life, some more than others.

But there are little things you do in your daily life that may not be helping.

There are also small steps you can take and new habits you can make that have been proven to help keep you mentally healthy and happy.

The good news is that these are changes that can be easily incorporated into your life.

They may make a huge difference too. 

Here are 11 ways you can improve your mental health with your everyday habits.

1. Walk tall

A study has found that by actively trying to walk tall with your head held high and shoulders back, you’re more likely to experience good moods. If you walk with your shoulders slouched, you’re more likely to focus on negatives rather than positives.

2. Stop taking pictures of everything

You may think photographing moments makes you more likely to remember them, but a study published in Psychological Science suggests otherwise. If you do still want to snap your lunch or view, make sure you focus on your subjects. 

3. Exercise

Exercising three times a week decreases your risk of being depressed by 19 per cent, according to a study by University College London. Researchers found that active people are less likely to be depressed and depressed people are less likely to be active. 

4. Stop procrastinating

The longer you put off a task because you’re afraid or anxious about doing it, the more nerve-wracking - and potentially debilitating - it can be. Ease your stress by listening to music or exercising, then tackle the task head-on. 

5. Get out of a toxic relationship

Being in a relationship with someone who constantly puts you down can knock away at someone’s self-esteem without their realising, ultimately making them anxious and potentially depressed. Listen to your friends’ and family’s concerns about your partner if they have any and read up on the signs of an abusive relationship.

6. Sleep more

Your body can’t function properly if you don’t get enough sleep. If you’re struggling to sleep, try and workout why and seek help if you can’t.

7. Make time for yourself

Between friends, family and work, keeping everyone happy can mean you neglect yourself and never have any me-time. Make time to be alone and do things for yourself, as this helps keep anxiety and depression at bay. 

8. Take time out from your digital devices

Smartphones, tablets and laptops can overstimulate our brains, and if you never take any time out from them, you won’t be doing your mental health any favours. Take a mini digital detox every week, even for just half a day or a couple of hours.

9. Stop multitasking

Eating your lunch while sending emails may not seem too dangerous, but multitasking has actually been shown to make us more stressed. Instead, focus on the one thing you’re doing and what’s going on around you.

 

I had a banana. Bananas contain the amino acid tryptophan as well as vitamins A, B6 and C, fibre, potassium, phosphorous, iron and carbohydrate. Mood-boosting carbohydrates aid in the absorption of tryptophan in the brain, while vitamin B6 helps convert the tryptophan into the mood-lifting hormone serotonin. This helps to boost your mood and also aids sleep. Because of its ability to raise serotonin levels, tryptophan has been used in the treatment of a variety of conditions, such as insomnia, depression and anxiety.

Meditation