As we navigated through the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19, the pandemic not only highlighted the vulnerabilities of our physical health but also underscored the pressing need to prioritise our mental wellbeing. Healthcare professionals were among the most significantly affected groups, with over 70% reporting a deterioration in their mental well-being stemming from pandemic-related restrictions and outcomes (Mental Health Australia, 2020).
To help you embark on the journey of enhancing your mental health, we present five easy yet effective tips to help you combat daily stresses and work towards a healthier, happier you.
Engaging with the great outdoors through activities such as walking, meditating, reading, or simply sitting outside can significantly enhance our mental well-being. Nature connection has been shown to alleviate stress and improve mood, attention, and cognition. A noteworthy aspect of this connection is the exposure to sunlight, which has been distinctly associated with positive impacts on mental health. The sun's rays not only boost our vitamin D levels but also help regulate our mood and sleep patterns. Thus, regularly immersing oneself in nature and embracing the sunlight can be a rejuvenating and transformative mental health practice.
You don't need to push through a gruelling workout to reap the benefits of exercise. Even gentle, consistent exercises like dancing, stretching, or leisurely walks can yield significant benefits. These activities work to mitigate stress hormones, enhance concentration, and foster better sleep quality. The ripple effect extends to reducing anxiety and elevating confidence, cultivating a positive mind-body connection. Integrating such accessible forms of exercise into your routine can act as a cornerstone for maintaining mental wellbeing, providing a natural and enjoyable pathway to balance and resilience in both mind and body.
Never be afraid to open up and share your challenges with someone you trust. Interpersonal connection is critical to our health and wellbeing, with a strong correlation observed between the quality of our relationships and the levels of happiness and contentment we experience in other parts of our lives. Establishing a support system is a crucial strategy to safeguard our mental health, aiding in enhancing happiness, managing feelings of loneliness, and preventing social isolation.
Altered sleep patterns can serve as a significant indicator of stress, reflecting the intricate relationship between our mental state and our rest. Ensuring a regular and quality sleep schedule is not just about clocking in the hours; it's about cultivating a restful environment and establishing bedtime routines that signal to our body that it is time to wind down. This is essential for managing negative emotional responses to daily stressors and fostering positive emotions, allowing us to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day's challenges. Implementing relaxation techniques, maintaining a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime can further optimise sleep quality.
Discovering and regularly engaging in an activity that brings you joy, whether it be yoga, meditation, painting, gardening, or sewing, can serve as a gateway to stress relief and self-expression. Participating with the sole intention of deriving joy encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and fosters tranquility. Activities like painting and gardening can be especially therapeutic, providing a canvas for emotional expression and a medium to connect with nature, respectively. Creativity also nurtures self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Completing a creative project, no matter how small, can give you a sense of achievement and boost your confidence.
The activities shared in this article are a starting point towards fostering a healthier, happier you. If you are interested in discovering more inspiration to prioritise your mental health, we invite you to join our NurseStrong Facebook group, a safe space where nurses support each other on their health and self care journeys. Your wellbeing matters, and together, we can make strides towards improving our physical, mental and emotional health.
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