10 Self-help strategies for positive mental health and wellness
1. Develop a Support Network
Friends, family, social network groups, work colleagues etc., people around you offer a valuable pool of help and support, so it is really important these connections are strengthened and developed. Make time for these connections.
2. Direction & Goals
Working towards positive goals can add motivation, meaning and structure to your life. Make your goals realistic, and set about them step by step - don’t try to rush; in this way, you build up confidence, ability and sustainability. Make goals that you want to make, and not the goals others want you to make, and celebrate your progress along the way!
3. Helping & Listening
Helping and supporting others not only makes them happy, it makes you feel happier too! Share your skills, experience and knowledge with others, and listen to others without judgement.
4. Develop Resilience
Remember, it isn’t what happens to you that makes a difference to your life, but how you chose to deal with it. By developing a stronger resilience, you become more able to deal with the challenges life throws at you.
5. Exercising & Nature
Do some form of exercise every day, even if it is just a brisk walk. Exercise is scientifically proven to significantly improve mental health. Getting out into nature is also scientifically proven to boost positive mental health.
6. Develop Positivity
Developing positive emotions can develop a buffer against stress, and can lead to significant changes in the brain and how we learn to deal with things, and maintain wellbeing. Be grateful for what you have, and for your network of supportive connections, and try to focus on the positives in any situation.
7. Develop Awareness
Taking time-out for a few minutes everyday to focus on what’s around you - close your eyes, relax, breathe deep and be mindful of what you can hear, see and feel.
8. Try new things
Learning new things is a great way to lift your spirits and improve mental health. It could be a new hobby, learning a language, learning a craft, going to a social activity, or simply taking on a new role; developing interests is great for developing better mental health.
9. Develop meaning in life
It is shown that people that have meaning in their lives are less stressed and experience less anxiety and depression than those who feel they have no meaning to their lives. Volunteer for a cause that is close to your heart, and prioritise those things around you that bring you the strongest sense of purpose.
10. Acceptance
Longing to be someone else, or someone different, often gets in the way of our own happiness. Accept yourself for who you are, and shift the focus away from what you don’t have and what you can’t do, to what you do have and what you can do, And be kind to yourself when things go wrong.
