BLOGGING THE VIEW: 7 tips to boost your mental health this October

A REPORT prepared by Sapien Labs entitled the Annual Mental State of the World Report surveyed close to 12 000 South Africans and compared these results with 223 087 people in 34 countries. The results indicated that South Africa is rated the lowest in terms of mental health rankings – a finding that coincides with SADAG’s (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) statistics, indicating a stark rise in mental health challenges against the Covid-19 pandemic backdrop. In fact, 1 in 3 South Africans have, or will have, a mental health issue.

With October being World Mental Health Awareness Month, now is a great time to take a look at our lifestyles and consider what we can do to improve this vital aspect of our lives. When mental health deteriorates, emotional and physical well-being follow – so now is the time to get this right.

1. Connect with others
Make sure you’re not isolating yourselves from family and friends as this can be detrimental to your mental health. By connecting with others and maintaining strong relationships, you’re getting emotional support and building a sense of belonging. This could be as simple as meeting up for a coffee or meal, playing a game of cards with the family, or volunteering at a local charity.

2. Learn something new
You can improve your mental well-being by learning a new skill such as cooking, DIY projects, writing a blog, or even a new language. It doesn’t have to be something too big or complex. This will help by boosting your self-confidence and providing you with a renewed sense of purpose.

3. Be physically active
Now is a good time to start exercising, whether it’s strengthening your core with yoga or Pilates, getting your heart rate up by running or biking, or joining a fun dance class. The important thing is that you choose something you enjoy, otherwise you’ll give up on it or cause unnecessary stress. Exercise keeps your body fit but also causes chemical changes that positively enhance your mood.

4. Maintain a healthy diet
Healthy body, healthy mind is true, which is why you need to consider what you’re putting into your body as well as the exercise you’re doing to maintain it. Processed foods high in sugar are really harmful to your physical health, but they also impact your mental health. Take in fresh foods and plenty of water.

5. Get enough sleep
Without sufficient sleep, you’re going to suffer from decreased mental abilities and an unstable emotional state. In fact, research now indicates that long-term sleep deprivation is connected to an increase in cancer. If you suffer from insomnia, consider what you’re eating and drinking ahead of bedtime, whether you’re following a strict routine, and in the darkness of your room.

6. Learn how to deal with stress
Every day will bring with it new levels of stress, and the only way around this is to find coping mechanisms to deal with stress effectively. Exercise, going for a walk, playing with a pet or writing are just some ways to cope. Take some time out for yourself so you live a more balanced life that enables you to better cope with stress.

7. Break the monotony
Routine in life is important for getting exercise, a good diet, and sufficient sleep – but you don’t want it to become a trap of monotony. You need some things to look forward to, whether it’s visiting a local park, going on a road trip or trying out a new restaurant.

Finally, it’s important to remember to reach out for help if life is getting overwhelming. Don’t suffer in silence.

Sources: www.nhs.uk, www.who.int

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer