Content note: This article discusses mental health and includes references to emotional distress and suicide prevention resources

It’s important to highlight the importance of mental health year-round, but during Mental Health Awareness week, we’d like to place special focus on taking care of your mind.

There are small, supportive steps you can take to care for your mental wellbeing whether you're navigating a difficult time or looking after a loved one.

Move your Body 👟

Exercise is a fantastic stress reliever and has a huge impact on our mental health.

You can find an activity that you enjoy - whether that’s running, Yoga, walking your dog, a HIIT class, going for a bike ride or playing a game of tennis. Mastering new skills is a wonderful way to boost your self-esteem and doing physical exercise releases feel-good hormones in your brain, so finding gentle ways to move your body during tough times can be especially beneficial.

Eat Well 🥗

At times, preparing food can feel overwhelming, but nourishment plays a powerful role in supporting your body and mind. If we can maintain a good diet, we might find that we have more energy and begin to think more clearly.

A good diet doesn’t need to be complicated. You could simply focus on getting enough nutrient-rich foods (like fruit, leafy greens, whole grains and vegetables), or minimising refined sugars and caffeine. The goal is to ensure we’re giving our bodies the energy they need to perform.

You know your body and preferred diet best, so do what you believe is best for you.

Spend Time in Nature 🌳

Connecting with nature is a wonderful way to lift your mood. A quiet walk with the sound of wind through the trees, sunlight on your skin, and the crunch of leaves underfoot all help anchor you to the present moment. You can find your mind becomes calmer, you feel more grounded, and you have a mindful focus where before things may have been overwhelming.

Seek Connection 🤗

Humans are naturally social, and when we feel lonely or disconnected it can take a toll on our mental wellbeing, often affecting every part of life. If meeting in person isn’t possible, make time for regular phone calls with friends or family. Nurturing those connections helps you feel supported, seen, and less alone in times of stress.

Improve your Sleep 💤

Just one restless night can leave you drained and low the next day, and consistently poor sleep can have a serious negative impact on your emotional wellbeing.

The upside? Prioritising restful sleep can also positively support your mental health - it works both ways!

To unwind, try limiting screen time before bed, do some journaling, or use our Calm Bath Salts for a soothing soak. Our Calm Room, Pillow & Linen Mist can also be used over your pillow as part of a relaxing bedtime routine. While these practices may not be a cure-all, they can offer valuable moments of calm and care.

Try Deep Breathing ☺️

Deep breathing is said to trigger your body’s natural relaxation response, and focusing on your breath keeps your mind busy, which can help quash anxiety.

If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, slow your breathing down, take deep inhales, then a long, slow exhale out. Try the breathing exercise below:

Reach out for Support 💞

If you’re struggling and/or unable to seek support from friends and family, there are many charities and helplines where you can reach out for help when you need it most, and you could also contact your healthcare practitioner.

Here are some helpful UK services to consider:

CALM - Campaign Against Living Miserably is a UK charity who run a helpline offering advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.

Mind Charity - UK charity offering advice and support for anyone affected by Mental Health problems. 

Anxiety UK - UK charity for those affected by anxiety disorders.

Samaritans - UK charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress or struggling to cope.

PAPYRUS - UK charity for the prevention of young suicide.