Have you noticed you have less interest in things you once enjoyed? Are you eating well? Have your sleeping habits changed? Often we rush through our day unaware of what's going on around us, leaving us unmindful of how we are really feeling until someday we find ourselves in turmoil wondering where to turn to for help. Besides seeking therapy, there are lots of ways you can look out for your mental wellbeing.

 

See below our 12 tips to looking our for your well-being. 

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Take time for yourself 

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Try taking a little time out for yourself and try not to feel guilty for doing so. Whether this may be spending an evening alone, reading a book we may have put off reading or taking time out to  watch a film. Simply taking a long soak in the bath is a form of self-care. 

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Spend time outdoors

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There's science behind spending time in nature and the benefits it has on improving mood and feelings which is why we encourage our members to spend more time outside in open green spaces. Try spending 2 hours each day outdoors, whatever the weather. That's 2 hours outside and 22 hours inside. When we think of it that way, 2 hours probably isn't enough, but it's a good start.

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Set a realistic bedtime

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It can be easy to fall into unhealthy sleeping pattens of not sleeping enough or sleeping too much. Try setting yourself a sleep target (for example, 10pm - 7am). 

 

Try reading a book or journaling as minimising the use of technology (such as a tv or mobile phone) 1-2 hours before your desired sleep time can help you wind down, getting you ready to switch off and fall to sleep.

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Limit screen time

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Taking a break from your phone or computer (or both) can be a great form of self-care. You can try putting your phone in another room, setting airplane mode, or setting yourself a timer. Try limiting the use of technologies 1-2 hours before bedtime and 1 hour after you wake up. You could also try setting yourself a goal of lowering your daily screen time usage.

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Take a deep breath

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Phytoncides are natural chemical compounds produced by trees and plants. Their role is to protect our green spaces from harm, such as bacteria, insects and fungi. Breathing in Phytoncides has been scientifically proven to provide many great benefits to the human body.

 

When we breathe in these compounds, our number of NK (natural killer) cells increase, improving mental wellness, boosting our immune system, decreasing feelings of anxiety, anger, low mood and depression. Try spending a few hours each week in open green spaces to reap the benefits.

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Find a balance

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It’s not always possible to make changes at work but try not to take your work home with you at night. It can be easy to normalise working long hours or being under an extreme amount of stress. Finding a balance can make a positive difference to your day-to-day living.

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Set yourself a challenge

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Challenging yourself can be a great way to not only motivate yourself, but you can also achieve things that perhaps you never thought were possible. Remember, it doesn't matter if you fail, what matters is you tried.

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Eat well & maintain regular exercise

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Following a healthy anti-inflammatory diet may not only reduce symptoms of Endometriosis, but it can also play a crucial role in fertility health. A good balance diet consisting of protein, healthy fats and slow releasing carbs will ensure your body has everything it needs to remain healthy.

 

Since working out releases ‘feel good’ chemicals called endorphins, staying physical can not only help strengthen your body and improve the function of your digestive system, but it can also be a healthy coping mechanism for stress.

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Connect and communicate

 

Talking honestly about your worries and concerns is important for everyone. Connecting with those around you and communicating with those closest to you about how you’re feeling can be a great way to not only help build your connections, but also your confidence.

 

If you are finding it difficult opening up and telling those closest to you what is bothering you, why not join an online or a local support group where you can connect with others going through similar experiences, helping you feel less alone.

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Give back 

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Going out of your way and giving your time to others can be a great way to improve your mental wellbeing. It not only improves your confidence and helps boost your self-esteem, but it also enables you to recognise your purpose and that you are having a positive influence on others, helping you think positively about yourself.

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Learn something new 

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Being creative is a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and learn something new. Whether that be cooking, learning to draw or to play an instrument, perhaps there’s a course you’ve put off doing for a while, learning something new can be enjoyable and push you to have the confidence you need to believe in yourself and discover your inner creativity.