10 tips for a healthy mind
We all face difficult times in our lives, but there are lots of things we can do to keep our minds healthy and our outlook positive. Here are our top ten tips that can help you cope with everyday life and stay strong when times are tough.
1.Talking takes the weight off my shoulders
When you’re finding things difficult, talking to someone you trust can really help. Whether you choose to chat with a parent, sibling, friend or teacher, they’ll be able to offer advice and help you understand what you’re going through. Even if you don’t feel like talking things through, hanging out with people you like can help you remember you’re not alone.
2. Staying physically active keeps my mind clear
Physical activity is great for your mental well-being, as it releases hormones called endorphins that help improve your mood. Getting out to walk the dog, joining a gym or taking up a team sport are all great ways to keep your mind and body fit.
3. Getting plenty of sleep helps me stay positive
Sleep is vital for a healthy mind. If we don’t get enough we can start to feel tired, sluggish and like things are getting on top of us. It can start having an impact on our relationships and at school or work too. By getting six to eight hours sleep a night, you’ll feel alert, positive and able to cope better. There are lots of tools online that can help you establish a good routine.
4. Eating well makes me feel energised
Eating healthily can help boost your mood, energy levels and self-esteem. Try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of water, fruit and vegetables to keep healthy. Steering clear of sugary drinks, alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs will help you avoid highs and lows too.
5. By helping others, I can help myself
Helping others in need can help you get perspective on your own problems, improve your self-esteem and give you the chance to meet new people. Whether you’d like to volunteer for a charity, help out at a local primary school or do some shopping for an elderly relative, making a positive contribution will help you remember you have something to offer.
6. Focusing on a challenge keeps my mind busy
When we set ourselves new challenges it makes us feel alive. It might be something small like reading a new book every month, or you might want a bigger challenge, like learning a new instrument or running a marathon. Whatever your goal, it’ll help you focus on something positive and you’ll feel happier and more confident as a result.
6. Taking some me-time helps me relax
Everyone has different ways of unwinding – playing an instrument, reading a book or going for a walk can all help. Or you could try meditation, yoga, massage or aromatherapy, which can all help you reduce stress levels and sleep better. However you choose to relax, make sure you set aside some time every week do something you enjoy.
7. Finding out why my moods change helps me avoid the triggers
By keeping a diary and noting down your mood changes, you might be able to identify the triggers that affect how you’re feeling. Once you start seeing patterns emerge, you can take steps to avoid the situations, people, foods or places that affect you in a negative way.
8. Being mindful helps me focus on the present
Mindfulness is a technique that can help you pay more attention to the present and let go of issues from the past. Being mindful can help you to feel more positive and in control of your life. There are lots of sites online that can help you learn mindfulness techniques that you can bring into your everyday life.
10. Knowing how to get help keeps me safe
Even if you don’t feel you need help right now, it’s important that you know how to get support if you need it.
There are lots of treatments and support networks available which your doctor can advise you on. If you live in Gloucestershire and are aged 9-21, you can get support from our TIC+ counsellors. TIC+ works hard at raising funds so they can arrange for a counsellor to see you for free, all you need to do is call us on 01594 372777 or text us on 07520 634063 to arrange an appointment. We know it can be hard to take that first step but, like the other young people we’ve helped, you’ll be so glad you did.
If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Childline on 0800 1111, NHS 111 (on 111) or the Samaritans on 116 123. There’s always someone there to help, and any conversations you have with them are confidential.
For more advice check out our SUPPORT RESOURCES page!
