Tag: wellness

Winter Mental Health and Anxiety Update by Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 10 Comments

Hi everyone,

I have spent a number of months avoiding and not taking action on one of the main issues that has. been happening in my life.

As you know, I have spent many years living in the shadow of having bipolar disorder and panic disorder (social anxiety and panic attacks) and possibly also PTSD symptoms from my last hospitalisation.. that I didn’t realise that my panic disorder is essentially agoraphobia too. (Oh got to love my overly anxious nervous system and imagination that creates panic!),.

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder in which you fear and avoid places or situations that might cause you to panic and make you feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed. You fear an actual or anticipated situation, such as using public transportation, being in open or enclosed spaces, standing in line, or being in a crowd.

For me, this means that I can struggle to leave home alone at times, socialise, go out on public transport, go out to eat, go into a shop, travel anywhere alone including walking and that I panic and avoid and retreat from situations.. When I am going through a period of low mood, the agoraphobia/panic disorder can worsen.

I am managing my panic attacks through therapy and speaking to my therapist works. However, being indoors all the time through Covid and changing my working patterns to working from home meant that my agoraphobia got heightened. I didn’t want to be around crowds because I could get Covid. I didn’t want to go on public transport in a mask- because I might get Covid. I didn’;t go in a shop because people were there- but once vaccinated, this hasn’t changed. Really this was masking deeper anxiety and fear of the world in general- feeling uncertain after a job loss and starting a new career and feeling intensely self conscious too about weight gain on my medication.

Today on facebook, I had a memory from 12 years ago (when I was 21) which informed me that I had been on a night out at Ministry of Sound nightclub in London for a gig and I was also coordinating London Booze for Jews ( a Jewish student bar crawl) – despite the fact I didn’t drink. I have always been social but nights out in bars and clubs are just not my thing these days at the grand old age of 33 (grandma alert).

I know my panic is not the whole of me. In the past I have completed a degree and masters at drama school, travelled to India, Israel, places all over Europe and volunteered in Ghana for 7 weeks. Despite my anxiety, I run two small businesses, have managed to release a book, written for well known publications and achieved many of my dreams. I also met my wonderful husband and am not only proud to be a wife, but an auntie (and hopefully one day a mother too).

I am still Ellie and still the person I was inside before trauma hit.

Despite all of the amazing things above, I have been struggling with getting out of my 4 walls. So this is a diary entry to say: I will get better and get out the flat more. I will try and expose myself to feared situations. Above all, I will be kind to myself and take slow steady steps. I will lose the weight too!

All friends/fam are welcome to try and coax me out and help too!

How to Spot Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury by Lizzie Weakley

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment
(image: Pexels- Karolina Grabowska)

Suffering a traumatic brain injury can completely change a person’s life. Your brain is the primary organ that controls everything else in your body, and any injury to your brain has the potential to impact almost every other aspect of your body, your health, and your overall wellbeing. While most severe brain injuries can be quickly spotted, more minor or moderate traumatic brain injuries can sometimes go undetected. Although some injuries may heal on their own, others can cause serious issues days, months, or even years down the road. For this reason, it is essential that you understand the possible signs of traumatic brain injuries to ensure you get proper medical help whenever it is needed.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries are categorized in several ways, depending on both the severity and type of injury. They can range from mild to moderate and severe, and this is determined by whether a person loses consciousness as a result of the injury and for how long. Mild brain injuries result in a loss of consciousness or a dazed feeling that lasts less than 30 minutes, while severe injuries are those that result in unconsciousness for more than 24 hours.

Traumatic brain injuries are also categorized based on whether they are open or closed. Closed injuries are the most common type, and this categorisation refers to any injury that affects the brain without penetrating the skull. An open brain injury results when any foreign object penetrates the skull and directly damages the brain tissue.

How to Spot Signs of a Concussion or Other Brain Injury

Moderate to severe brain injuries and open brain injuries are obviously fairly easy to spot. However, it is often much more difficult to determine if you’ve suffered a mild concussion or less severe brain injury. Still, there are a number of signs you can watch out for. The most obvious sign is losing consciousness, but feeling confused or having problems concentrating or remembering can also be indicators of a brain injury. Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are also signs you should watch out for.

How it Can Affect Your Mental Health

Soon after a traumatic brain injury, it’s common to have feelings of frustration, loss, and sadness. These feelings tend to appear after the injury, during, or soon after recovery. These emotions can be brought up earlier or later, depending on the person, and how severe the injury is. If these feelings are not recognised early enough, depression can be a long-lasting emotion, which can be detrimental to your mental health.

What to Do If You Suspect You Have a Brain Injury

Even milder or moderate concussions can potentially lead to other issues down the road. Therefore, it is essential that you seek professional medical attention if you suspect you or someone you know has experienced a brain injury. Depending on where the accident or injury occurred, it may also be a good idea to contact an attorney. This is especially true if the injury happened as a result of a car accident or at work. In these cases, an auto injury attorney or a job site accident lawyer can help ensure everything is properly documented and that you don’t do anything that could harm your chances of getting properly compensated for your injury.

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are much more common than you might think. Brain injuries can also occur from seemingly minor accidents. Therefore, it is vital that you know what signs to look for, so you can immediately get whatever help you need.

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer.

Remaining Mentally and Emotionally Stable Post- Pandemic.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

I think we can all agree that the last couple of years were never in our plan. Whether we were at the best or the worst place in our lives by the end of 2019, a wide-spread virus and quarantine put just about everything on hold. Jobs, businesses, and routines all over the world were brought to a sudden halt—and one that has lasted for nearly two years. However, while many of our practical, everyday needs were unable to be met, this two-year pause did help to shine a light on our society’s immediate need for mental health resources. 

Whether you were facing pandemic-induced anxiety or depression, or you were fighting an old battle with any existing diagnoses, many of us had no choice but to ask for help. Luckily, with some time surrounded by loved ones and away from our busy lives we were able to truly care for our health. But now that we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, the question is, ‘how do we maintain our mental health post-pandemic?’ Well, here are some tips to help you do just that.

Normalise Your Needs

One of the biggest stigmas we often face when battling with mental health is the misconception that asking for help is considered weak. When in fact, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Whether your struggle requires therapy, emotional support, or prescription medicine, asking for help and tending to your needs are the strongest things you could ever do for yourself. Specifically after the pandemic, this is the type of mindset we all need to adopt. By normalizing our natural, human need for assistance in times of need we can slowly eliminate this stigma, not only within ourselves but within our society as well. 

We can see how normalising our needs can even impact companies like Gopuff, who recently piloted prescription-based services in Philadelphia to support its consumers’ health throughout the pandemic. Similarly, BetterHelp, an online therapy service has created some buzz during the pandemic because of its on-the-go accessibility that has normalised therapy and integrated it into our daily lives.

Stay Connected

Along the same lines as asking for help, we need to make the point of staying connected post-pandemic as well. Many of our mental illnesses thrive in isolation; making it so important to establish a healthy lifestyle and surround yourself with a support system. 

Not only will a support system help you appreciate the good times, but they can also hold you accountable when you are struggling. And I know what you’re thinking but accountability is actually not as scary as it sounds. It is simply allowing your loved ones to call you out when you are living a life that is less than what you deserve. Luckily, when the accountability is coming from someone you trust, it can be the driving force that makes you want to be better mentally and emotionally and maintain your health for the long haul.

Find Your Passion

Oftentimes we hear that distraction is the best way to keep your mind off of the negatives in life. However, distraction is temporary and will only promote diversion, not growth. Passion however, will encourage you to go after the best things and life and in return, will promote mental wellness stability as well. 

A passion is whatever you deem it to be. It can be as simple as a love for reading or even a full-time job in teaching. In any case, it can allow you to step outside of your struggles and feel your impact on the world. Passions are also much more sustainable than distraction because they are not rooted in a temporary escape but instead, they are based in a love for a particular thing or idea. Exploring your passions can provide you with a sustaining peace that can get you through whatever feelings of uncertainty may arise after the pandemic.

Take a Break

Lastly, don’t forget to take a breather! Given the lax lifestyle that the pandemic brought on, many of us may rush back into the busy and overwhelming lives we once lived. However, we often underestimate the power of mental and emotional strain. We think that since we’ve had so much downtime these last couple of years, we no longer need a break. However, whether you are working a job or working on yourself, your mind is constantly going and is still in need of a break. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, so if you can find some time to go for a walk in nature, visit a spa for a relaxing massage/facial (you can search online for ones in your location, just look up phrases such as facial near me in Peoria, AZ for assistance), or even just spend some time with a dear and trusted friend, you can give yourself that well deserved break that all of us need from time to time to help us get through the days. 

Pandemic or not, don’t forget to prioritize yourself. Meet your own needs, stay connected with those you love, explore your passions, and as always, take a break and you’ll be sure to find some stability in your life. 

Tsunami of Mental Health Problems have manifested during the Pandemic: by WebDoctor.ie Online Doctor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: WebDoctor.ie)

Online Doctor Service WebDoctor.ie, based in Ireland, saw a 240% increase in the number of mental health related consultations from January 2020 to August 2021.

The Online Doctor Service has also seen a 210% increase in the overall number of consultations from the same dates.

“This increase reflects a ‘Tsunami’ of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, which have manifested during the pandemic,” explains WebDoctor’s Clinical Director Sylvester Mooney. Mental health issues such as reactive depression and anxiety affected all ages and demographic groups.

Anxiety Surrounding the Reopening of Society

There has been a 76% increase in anxiety levels among Irish people, according to WebDoctor.ie. There are significant mental health concerns regarding the reopening of society as colleges, workplaces and schools get back to normal.

Aware, who provide free support and education services to those impacted by depression, anxiety and mood related disorders saw an 80% increase in the number of helpline calls they received in April, May and June of 2020 compared to the same months in the previous year.

The organisation are currently seeing concerns arise over the anxiety surrounding the reopening of society. “People are anxious to return to the workplace and return to in-person social settings, explains Stephen McBride, Director of Services at Aware.

Young Women and Eating Disorders

WebDoctor.ie have also observed a doubling of reported depression from 9% to 19%, and rates of eating disorder in young women have also increased by a very significant 41%.

There are no nationally dedicated adult in-patient public beds for people with eating disorders. Instead, eating disorder in-patients are treated in general or psychiatric hospitals. Given that the most recent CSO figures also show that suicide was, and remains, the biggest cause of death among Ireland’s young adults under 24 with men particularly at risk, it’s clear that a major post-Covid mental health crisis is well under way.

Dr Sylvester Mooney, WebDoctor’s Clinical Director stated that “many younger people who are presenting to our GP’s have been seriously impacted over the last 18 months. They’ve had significant disruptions to their college education, lost opportunities for important social interaction, their career prospects have been damaged. For a lot of patients we see, they’re very anxious and nervous about what the future may hold.”

Mental Health Support and Funding

With HSE levels of mental health funding at only 5%, which is very low by international standards (the UK is at 13%), it seems apparent that the mental health sector needs much greater levels of funding support.

When asked about the level of funding for mental health services in Ireland due to this significant increase in pandemic-inflicted anxiety levels, neither the HSE nor Minister of Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler responded to our request to comment.

Dr Sylvester Mooney believes that we are only now starting to see the fallout from the Covid pandemic on mental health.

This is a sponsored blog from Webdoctor.ie using research in Ireland from August 2021.

The First all-in-one Stress and Mild Anxiety Formula has launched: by Nu Mind Wellness Ltd.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Nu Mind Wellness Ltd)

Nu Mind Wellness Ltd officially launched on October 25th 2021. The Nu Mind Stress & Mild Anxiety Support Formula (30 days) offers consumers 23 scientifically backed ingredients packed in 5 daily capsules to help alleviate symptoms of stressors on the mind and body. This all-in-one Stress & Mild Anxiety Support Formula is the first of its kind and is the most comprehensive supplement programme in the UK market for mental health.

Nu Mind Wellness Ltd will is offering free educational courses to its consumers on how to improve their mental health and overall wellness. Specifically, on how to improve nutrition, how to exercise correctly and how to improve one’s mental health. Each course has been written by experts in their respective fields.

A strong social mission is at the core of Nu Mind’s vision. Nu Mind Wellness Ltd has also partnered with 1% For The Planet. Nu Mind have pledged to donate 1% of their annual revenue to grass-root non-profits. In the first year these funds will be donated to One Tree Planted where they will be planting trees in vulnerable areas across the globe. As well as this, Nu Mind’s products are all 100% recyclable.

“We wanted to create the very best formula to help those busy individuals living a stressful life. Which is why we included 23 science backed ingredients to help you manage stress and recover from symptoms of anxiety”

  • Shona Wilkinson, RN, mBANT, CNHC

Shona is a registered nutritionist, specialising in the formulation and development of supplements. Shona is a member of the Professional Associations BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) and CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) as well as the Royal Society for Medicine

Features and benefits of the Nu Mind Stress & Mild Anxiety Support Formula include:

  • The first all-in-one stress supplement programme, packaged into 30 daily sachets
  • 23 scientifically backed ingredients, based on current scientific research
  • Free educational courses on how to improve mental health and wellness 
  • Charity partnership with a clear social mission
  • 100% recyclable packaging 
  • Vegan Friendly, Gluten Free, No Allergens
  • 50% cheaper than current alternative

The Nu Mind Stress & Mild Anxiety Support Formula (30 daily sachets) will be available from 25th October at £44.99. For more information, visit www.numindwellness.com. 


About Nu Mind Wellness Ltd: 

Let’s begin with our story. We are two brothers who have suffered from anxiety. From panic attacks, deliberately avoiding social situations and sleepless nights. For years we searched for ways to feel ‘normal’, only to find the internet’s answers unsatisfactory.

Given our personal experience and understanding of the battles of anxiety, we set out to give back and support those with similar struggles. Working alongside professionals, we have created the first all-in-one stress & mild anxiety support formula.

We aim to provide the first all-in-one stress and anxiety service; providing a supplement, educational wellness content and a like-minded community. This is the essence of Nu Mind.

Links to learn more:

This is a sponsored blog post from Nu Mind Wellness Ltd.

How are our Lifestyles linked to our Mental Health? by Anna Witcherley, Founder of Head Hacks

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Pexels)

Our health and wellbeing aren’t solely dependent on how our brains and bodies work; they’re also influenced by how we live. Making healthy lifestyle choices is key in supporting our mental health; influencing our self-esteem, confidence, energy, motivation, mood, and even our ability to sleep.

Want to know more about what you can do to support your health and wellbeing? Here are 5 key areas to get you started!

Get active

We know exercise is beneficial for our health and wellbeing; even being active for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week can positively impact our mood, creativity, thinking and sleep. If going for a run or to the gym isn’t your thing there are so many other ways to get moving; including going for walks, climbing, cycling, dancing, surfing and table tennis (to name just a few). 

Check out Head Hacks, a new directory website, run by a qualified Occupational Therapist, where you can search for fun things to do, locally and online, to help you get active in a way that suits you!

Sleep

If you find yourself struggling to switch off at night, or you feel you’re not getting the quality of sleep you need to feel rested there are a number of things you can do to help yourself. These include:

  • Avoiding screens for at least 30 minutes before going to bed
  • Increasing physical activity and exposure to natural light during the day
  • Avoiding drinking caffeine for at least 6 hours before going to bed
  • Avoiding smoking for at least 2 hours before going to bed
  • Maintaining a general bedtime routine, for 30 minutes before going to bed (by doing things in roughly the same order around the same time each evening).

Mindfulness

When talking about mindfulness a lot of people may link it with meditation and yoga; however mindfulness comes in many different forms. If meditation or yoga aren’t your thing why not try ‘mindful doing’? The aim is to keep your mind present while doing an activity you enjoy or that fits into your routine, (like going for a walk, cooking, eating a meal, doing the washing up etc). Try to minimise distractions and instead focus on your current thoughts and feelings, and what you’re doing (using all your senses). 

Having purpose

Having a sense of ‘purpose’ is the feeling your life has some meaning or direction; without this we can feel anxious, low, bored and unmotivated. If this is something you feel you’re lacking here are some ideas to help you find more purpose in your life:

  • Voluntary work
  • Learn a new skill
  • Develop a sense of community by connecting with others over a shared interest e.g. joining a local activity group
  • Spend time thinking about what is important to you and form one or two goals around this (remember to break these down into manageable steps!)
  • Read (research has linked reading with feelings of purpose)

Connecting with others

Positive and meaningful relationships are vital to our health and wellbeing; providing us with a sense of belonging, self-esteem, and emotional support.  However you prefer to spend time with people, find a way to connect with others in a way that suits you; some of us prefer having one or two close friends, for others it’s family, and some prefer socialising in larger groups. 

To sum up

Research shows us that how we live; our relationships, how we spend our time, our sense of purpose and belonging, all vitally contribute to our health and wellbeing. Now that Coronavirus restrictions are easing, there are increasing opportunities, both in our local areas and online, to get involved in activities that are important to us, and that will help support our health and wellbeing.

Head Hacks is a new online directory, setup by a qualified Occupational Therapist, which aims to link people up with these activities and groups, as well as sharing useful information about managing health and wellbeing. Check it out to find fun things to do near you! Anna Witcherley is the founder of Head Hacks and wrote this article.

Wellbeing Tips and Activities for Children: Twinkl Blog featuring Eleanor

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment
(image: Twinkl)

I was approached by childrens learning website Twinkl to contribute some tips and ideas for the wellbeing of children this Autumn. I am delighted to be featured in Twinkl’s recent blog – Autumn Leaves: Wellbeing Tips & Activities for Children.

Check out some of their resources for wellbeing and resources for mental health too, including in partnership with Mind charity.

Thank you so much to all at Twinkl and I hope my tips are helpful. I used to work as a teaching assistant and was trained in safeguarding too, so hope you enjoy reading the blog!

7 Bipolar Disorder Facts Everyone Should Know by Ronnie Deno

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 9 Comments
(image: bphope.com)


Bipolar disorder affects roughly 46 million people worldwide in 2017, according to the Our World in Data. While there remain several challenges for people living with bipolar disorder and to their caregivers, health experts believe that current developments have reduced symptoms and improved quality of life.

Bipolar disorder is a very common cause of disability and needs treatment . It is ranked by the World Health Organization as the 6th leading cause of disability in the world with the inadequacy of treatment, resulting in higher rates of ill health and worsening of symptoms. The following are the seven 7 facts everyone should know about bipolar disorder.  

Fact No. 1 – Bipolar disorder looks a lot like classic depression.

Formerly called manic depression, bipolar disorder involves extremes of emotions, when not well controlled. It is associated with mania, depression, or both. People who have it may undergo a depressive state for some time – that is, weeks to months – before entering the manic state. The depression period usually comes afterward, and the cycle repeats. In some cases, people experience both. They appear very agitated and energetic and sometimes this can tip into psychosis.. 

Both mania and depressive episodes range from mild to severe patterns. Because the clinical manifestations of bipolar disorder mimic other psychiatric anxiety disorders, it takes years at times for doctors to find the correct diagnosis.

Fact No. 2 – Bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood and behaviour.

Some people with bipolar disorder experience cycles of manic and depressive episodes, which can be sudden and occurring several episodes a year. The cycle can shift quickly depending on the type and severity of the condition. Elevated mood associated with mania is defined by irritability, euphoria, and labile mood, whereas depression is often expressed by loss of interest, inability to function day to day and extreme sadness.

Fact No. 3 – Bipolar disorder has symptoms of mania and depression at the same time.

There are different variations of bipolar disorder, namely bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and bipolar unspecified. These conditions are marked by mania, depression, hypomania, or mixed manic and depressive episodes. In mixed bipolar type, there is a rapid and severe mood fluctuation in a quick sequence or simultaneous fashion without recovery in between. 

Fact No. 4 – The mood episodes of bipolar disorder can vary from person to person.

The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on the clinical presentation. However, the symptoms can be unspecific and variable from one person to another throughout the disease. Thus, making the prediction cycles of a person with bipolar difficult. 

For some people,. a person with bipolar disorder undergoes two (2) cycles of mood changes with mania taking place in spring or fall. However, mood stabilising medication greatly reduces episodes.

Fact No. 5 – There is no known single cause of bipolar disorder.

It is thought that bipolar disorder may run in families. In terms of biochemical cause, the manic and depressive cycles of bipolar disorder are associated with the excess or depletion of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as catecholamines, dopamine, and norepinephrine. 

Trauma may also trigger bipolar episodes.

Fact No. 6 – There is treatment available for bipolar disorder.

The goals for treatment available for bipolar disorder are stabilisation of symptoms, prevention of relapse, and improvement of social functioning.

Pharmacotherapy, particularly antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilisers, are the mainstay treatments for bipolar disorder. The HHS Public Access cited Lithium as the best drug for relapse prevention. T

In addition to medications, long-term maintenance for people with bipolar disorders may include psychosocial treatments that focus on education, stress management, detection of relapse, and developing a healthy lifestyle.

Fact No. 7 – People with bipolar disorder can and do lead happy, healthy lives.

It is possible that people with bipolar disorder can have happy and healthy lives. Realistically speaking, the quality of life faced by people with bipolar can be challenging when they have episodes or if they dont take or find the right medicines. This is because they continue to face challenges on their way to recovery, such as availability and choosing the right medication, ease of access to non-pharmacologic therapies, and finding the right balance of the medicine and non-pharmacologic treatments. In a qualitative study conducted by the International Journal of Bipolar Disorder, researchers revealed that some people with bipolar disorders explicitly struggle with managing their symptoms, maintaining relationships, and continuing to experience some form of stigma. Thus, regular contact with their health care provider is essential, as it provides a supportive environment for them.

While the cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, certain factors contribute to its development. Bipolar disorder remains a global health challenge. At this present time, there is no cure for bipolar disorder, but the current treatments have proven to mitigate their symptoms and improve quality of life.

Self Care Tools to Better Your Mental Health and Wellness.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Unsplash)

Looking to improve your mental health today? These 5 resources will help you to develop a healthy self-care regime.

1 . The Blissful Mind 

The Blissful Mind is a self-care blog, here you’ll find a range of useful articles to help you create a structured self-care routine. Catherine is a mindset coach and self-care expert, her goal is to help people achieve a positive outlook, develop a self-care regime, and avoid stress. Using this blog you can learn about the best time management practices to help you make time for what’s important. On the blog, you’ll find a range of different topics, including ‘The Power Of Setting Daily Intentions’, and ‘How To Build A Strong Foundation For Your Inner Life’.

2. Rachael Kable 

Rachael Kable is a mindfulness coach, dedicated to helping people live their best lives. On Rachel’s blog, you’ll find plenty of practical tips for self-care, mindfulness, and improving your mental health. Explore a wide range of articles including ‘Self Care Tips For Busy People’, ‘Simple Bedtime Meditations’, and ‘Ways To Manage Stress’.

3. Sanity & Self

Sanity & Self is a great self-care application, here you can access plenty of activities and tips for self development. Perhaps you’re looking to reduce your anxiety symptoms? You might be looking to recover from a breakup, or boost your self-confidence? Whatever you’re looking to work on Sanity & Self is the perfect toolkit. Using this app you can explore a range of content, themes include sleep, self-love, stress, and more. The app includes both a journal and a mood tracker to help you create a healthy routine.

4. My Possible Self App

My Possible Self is a wonderful app for mental health, there are lots of activities to rewire your thoughts, practice healthy habits and learn new things. The app includes CBT methods and plenty of useful coping strategies. Users can benefit from lots of great features, such as:

  • Visual & Audio Exercises: There are a range of activities to help with sleep, relaxation, and mood.
  • Journaling: Writing in a journal is a great way to write down your emotions and problems. You can use a journal to reflect and problem solve.
  • Motivation: Get all the motivational tips you need to improve your self-care regime.

5. 100% Guilt-Free Self Care 

Looking for an awesome self-care podcast? Then you need 100% Guilt-Free Self Care. Tami is a self-care expert, here to teach you that there’s nothing selfish about the world of self-care. Throughout these episodes, you’ll learn how to fit self-care into a busy lifestyle. You’ll start to understand how you can let go of guilt, and improve your mental wellbeing.

All of these resources can be accessed using a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet. For the best results, update your operating system before attempting to access your content. If you’re looking to speed up mac check out the post from MacPaw to improve the performance of your device that will in turn, help your self care.

With the use of these tools, you’ll improve your self-care routine in no time at all. From apps to podcasts there are lots of ways to learn about self-care, to help you look after yourself and your wellbeing.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

5 Ways to Improve your Mental Wellbeing

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

When it comes to taking care of yourself, you should always put your mental health first. 1 in 4 people in England alone will experience a mental health problem each year, so we must be gentle with ourselves. However, modern life can be hectic, and sometimes it can be exceedingly difficult to find time to take care of yourself and your mind. So, what can you try to improve your mental well-being?

Credit: Tumisu/ Pixabay

Take regular time out

If you do not take time out to yourself each day, you will soon feel burnt out and struggle to manage your emotions. This could just be in the form of taking a nice relaxing bath in the evenings and completing your daily skincare routine. Or, you could watch an episode of your favourite show after a hard day’s work. Whatever works for you! You do not need to be doing something productive either; an evening in with Netflix can be just as good for your mental health as an evening spent cleaning or reading. After spending some time on yourself, you will feel more relaxed, and your mind will be more at ease.

Try yoga

Yoga can be a great form of exercise that will also help you focus and practice mindfulness. In addition, yoga can be a great choice for stress management, and attending a yoga class or taking an online class at home can leave you feeling ready for bed and content. If you are not a fan of yoga, then you could try daily stretches. Just ten or fifteen minutes spent stretching can make you feel flexible and can be a great way of winding down at the end of the day. Stretching is also a great way to start your day and can help set your mind at the beginning of the day so that way you are as productive and happy as you can be throughout the day.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way of taking your mind off any troubles you may be experiencing, and even just ten minutes of exercise will leave you feeling much better. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which make people feel happy and less anxious. However, when you are feeling down, it can be difficult to convince yourself to get up and complete a workout, but even just ten minutes of one of Chloe Ting’s workouts, for example, can leave you feeling happier. 

Some people struggle to complete workouts due to an illness, but there is a form of exercise out there for everyone! If you experience arthritis for example, there are exercise machines that are easy on joints that you could try! Or, if you find cardio too difficult due to a health condition such as asthma, you could try a more gentle form of exercise such as walking or cycling.

Credit: pxhere

Try herbal teas

Herbal teas are great at helping you unwind and are more relaxing than normal tea or coffee, which may only increase your anxiety and make you feel more stressed. Herbal teas, particularly chamomile tea, can ease feelings of anxiety or depression, as well as boost your immune system and aid your digestive system. So, herbal teas are great for both your body and mind! However, you should keep in mind that herbal teas are not a cure for mental illness and that if you are worried about the state of your mental well-being, you should consult a professional for help. 

Eat well

As much as we all love chocolate and pizza, sometimes these foods can leave us feeling bloated and grumpy. Therefore, you should still eat these foods because they are yummy, but you should make sure that you also eat lots of healthy foods that will make you feel better. For example, Brazil nuts are known to help improve people’s moods because they reduce inflammation and are a good source of Vitamin E, making Brazil nuts a great snack choice if you’re feeling a bit down in the dumps. Other foods such as seeds, fatty fish, and leafy greens can all help improve your mood.

Listen to ASMR

ASMR has been rising in popularity over the past few years. It is a niche genre of videos on YouTube where ASMRtists (the name for YouTubers who dedicate their channels to the strange sensation) brush your hair, whisper, and perform soothing sounds. Watching ASMR can reduce your anxiety, help you fall asleep at night, and soothe you. There are hundreds of ASMR videos online, so if you find that ASMR does help you unwind and relax, then there are plenty of videos out there for you to see. 

Meet with friends

Sometimes when you are feeling low, what you need is a good laugh with friends. As difficult as it may seem, get in touch with them and ask them if they want to meet for a coffee or go for some evening drinks. Even if you find that your state of mental health is not allowing you to enjoy your time with them, you could try and talk to your friends about how you’re feeling. Talking about your mental struggles and how they make you feel can ease your burdens and help your friends understand why you are not as perky or upbeat as you usually are. 

Credit: Glenn Harper/ Flickr

Tidy your home

It may sound silly, but tidying up your home or workspace can make a massive difference to your mental state. Tidy space, tidy mind! The act of cleaning and tidying itself can be very therapeutic and can help you relax. Once you have finished tidying up, you will find that you probably feel a lot less overwhelmed, particularly if your home is particularly cluttered or messy. A messy room can overload your mind because you are thinking about all the things you have to clear away and constantly searching for items you have lost amongst the mess.

When it comes to taking care of yourself, you should always put your mental health first. 1 in 4 people in England alone will experience a mental health problem each year, so we must be gentle with ourselves. However, modern life can be hectic, and sometimes it can be exceedingly difficult to find time to take care of yourself and your mind. So, what can you try to improve your mental well-being?

This article was written by a freelance writer.