5 free wellbeing tips
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Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.
As someone who’s struggled with mental health issues on and off throughout life, I’ve had to develop techniques to help me cope. I’ve been in private therapy for years, which costs me money, and has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
However, wellness doesn’t have to cost too much money. In fact, there are ways to take care of your mental health for free. Here are five free wellbeing tips.
5 free wellbeing tips
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash
1. Sunshine
Studies show that vitamin D deficiency is linked to the symptoms of depression.
So, step outside and get some sunshine this summer. I’m prone to vitamin D deficiency, so I take vitamin D tablets everyday, but I’ve noticed that when the sun makes an appearance, my mood experiences an instant boost.
2. Sleep
Sleep is not for wimps! It’s important to get plenty of good sleep every night. Aim for around eight hours of good sleep every night. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every night and every day respectively (e.g. bedtime at 10pm and wake up at 7.30am every morning). Also, sort out your sleep hygiene (e.g. switch off devices a couple of hours before bed).
3. Water
Drinking plenty of water daily is important for your physical health because it keeps you hydrated, flushes out toxins and improves your skin complexion. But in addition to this, staying hydrated is better for your mental wellbeing because it increases energy, relieves fatigue, improves concentration and boosts alertness and your overall mood.
4. Journalling
One of the best ways of calming your mind and processing your feelings and emotions is to write everything down, so express yourself by writing in your journal on a regular basis.
5. Moving
Move your body! Studies show that consistently staying physically active can improve mental health, because this helps release endorphins that make you feel good and give you more energy.
You don’t have to be a gym bunny to get your body moving - alternatively, you can find the activity that works for you. Personally, I like to get my body moving through powerwalking, yoga, Pilates and fun online workouts. Also, sometimes I like to dance and sing to music around my flat.
Bonus tip: Mental health resources and services
Depending on the resources and services you access for your mental health, you can find free, paid or low-cost options to help with your wellbeing. As I’ve mentioned before, I am in therapy, which I pay for, but I also consume a lot of self-help content in the form of books, articles, blog posts, podcasts and YouTube videos.
These free wellbeing tips are pretty easy to do, but if you ever need additional support with your mental health, seek help from your local GP, medical centre or local psychological services.