Updated : August 1, 2022 4 mins read
Updated : August 1, 2022 4 mins read
We all know that looking after our wellbeing is important, especially during times that may be stressful or when we may be noticing changes in our mood.
It can be difficult though to know exactly what we can do to look after our wellbeing on a daily basis.
As we’ve seen, our mental health and wellbeing are one in the same; we need to look after both in order to be healthy. There are many different ways that we can look after ourselves, however, below is a list that is accepted amongst everyone to be the most helpful.
Sleeping is one of the most useful tools in our kit that we can use when looking after our wellbeing. Sleep is our time to process the events of the day, as well as healing physically from anything that has influenced our bodies. For young people, sleep is even more important as we know that our brain is still developing during our teenage years. We need between 8-10 hours of sleep a night, however you might find this difficult for several reasons including worries, stress or wanting to stay up late to chat to friends!
So how can we make sure that we get the best amount of sleep possible?
Firstly, one of the easiest things that we can do is make sure that we don’t have any screens in our bedroom. This means moving our phones and making sure we don’t have computers or TVs on too late. This may seem difficult at first, however studies have shown that seeing light too late at night may stop us from sleeping, as it can interrupt melatonin (our sleep hormone) production.
If removing screens feels too fast too soon, try moving your phone to the other side of your bedroom or shut off your screens an hour before bed.
If you find that you are struggling to fall asleep because of worries, you could try spending 10 minutes before bed writing down everything that is on your mind. You may find that this helps to clear your head. You could also try listening to some relaxing music or a podcast episode.
Eating a healthy diet is something that we all know about, but what does a healthy diet look like?
We all know about eating our 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day, but it’s also important to make sure we’re getting all of the vitamins and nutrients that we need on a daily basis. If you would like to learn more about what a healthy diet looks like, please look at the NHS inform website (link): Eatwell Guide – Food and nutrition | NHS inform
Humans are made for socialising. When we connect with other people, our brain releases all of the good chemicals that we need to help us feel happy. Additionally, speaking to other people about what’s going on for us can help us feel lighter; as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved!
When we feel low, or stressed, we can often feel as if everything around us is falling apart or as if there’s nothing good to hold onto.
Doing something nice for other people can help us to feel more positive, as well as making someone else’s day (which is always nice!).
Why not see if any of your friends need something, or buy your mum some flowers? You could always do some baking for someone, or surprise someone with a visit?
Being physically active is important for our physical health, but it can also be important for our mental health.
When we exercise, our body releases endorphins (chemicals that can boost our mood). Being active can also give us time to process stress and focus on something else for a period of time.
You don’t have to be a marathon runner though to be active. Taking a walk, doing some yoga, going swimming or even just doing some serious cleaning can all be beneficial!
We might find during periods of increased stress or anxiety that we struggle to take time to process what’s happened during the day. This can often lead to more stress and anxiety and can turn into a bit of a slippery slope!
It’s important, then, for us to put some time in our day to sit and relax. This could take the form of doing some meditation or doing a relaxing hobby such as crafting or baking. You could try a new hobby that you’ve wanted to do, or pick up an old hobby that you used to do. Hobbies can be really helpful for our wellbeing. Sometimes, taking the time to breathe is just as important as keeping busy!