How to Boost Your Mental Wellbeing Today

The 21^st century is a busy place to live in. Most of us have pressurised jobs, hectic family lives, and a million things to do at any given time. This can be exciting, but also mentally exhausting.

A frenetic lifestyle can play havoc on your mental health. In fact, according to experts, one in four people have experienced poor mental wellbeing in the last year.

There are many experiences in our lives which help shape who we are and how we react and feel when certain situations crop up. Personally I have trouble regulating my emotions so I found Erik Erikson’s theory an interesting read on intimacy vs isolation, especially the part on personality and how it is formed and set. After all, as someone who suffers from a personality disorder, I do wonder how it has made a difference to my life and what I can do to work on and change the issues it brings up.

However, for everyone who suffers poor mental wellbeing, the big question is – what can you do to improve this situation?

women in black and white with hand to head

Recognising the Signs.

The first thing is to recognise when you’re feeling down or burnt-out and to acknowledge those feelings. Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness. Are you:

Feeling tired all the time, even when you wake up in the morning?
Lacking enthusiasm for life?
Constantly cancelling on friends and family because you can’t face going out?
Getting irate or snappy with loved ones?
Getting over-emotional over even small things?

If you relate to any of those statements, you could be experiencing a dip in mental wellbeing.

people standing in a circle with arms around each other

Addressing the Problem.

There are several ways you can lift your spirits and improve your mental health. These include:

Get exercising. You’ll often hear people rave about those endorphins, and it’s true, there’s something exhilarating about exercising! Choose an activity that you enjoy doing – if you see it as a slog, it’ll have the reverse effect. For example, some people love to go for a run, while others prefer a gentle swim or a cycle around the block. In short, do whatever works for you.
Enjoy some ‘pet-time’. Animals are amazing for lifting the spirits. If you’ve already got a pet, take some time to take them for a walk, play with them, or simply have a long cuddle. There’s a lot of holistic benefit to having a creature around that adores you!
Give yourself some time to relax. There’s nothing worse than feeling like life is a hamster-wheel, and you can’t get off. Set aside sometime each day (even if it’s only half an hour) that’s just for you. Relax in the bath, go for a walk, or read a book in the garden. Whatever works for you. You may want to check out LifeHackerGuy’s tips for more ideas.

Give yourself a treat. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of self-pampering! If you can afford it, book yourself a massage or a facial; it’ll be money well spent. Alternatively, treat yourself to lunch in town, or even a hot chocolate when you get in after work. If it feels indulgent and it makes you happier, then it’s working.
Talking to others. It’s so important to talk through your feelings. Remember, this is what friends and family are for – to share the good times with you, but also to help you get through the bad times. Even if it’s just a brief chat over a coffee, it can make a big difference. If you’re worried that your anxiety or depression is severe, you should talk to a doctor. Take it seriously – it’s not a sign of self-indulgence, it’s an ailment like any other!
Write your feelings down. Many people swear by keeping a journal, into which they can pour their frustrations and happiness. Alternatively, you might prefer to set up a blog – it doesn’t matter if no-one reads it, as this is just for you, no-one else.
Use scent to cheer yourself. Aromas are far more powerful than you might realise, and can totally transform your mood. Of course, they aren’t a cure-all for serious mental health issues, but they can certainly help a bit. Look for uplifting fragrances like Miss Coco or Baccarat Rouge 540.
Give to others. There’s something really pleasurable about making other people happy or making a difference in the world. Sign up to raise money for your favourite charity, or simply make your friend a present, then watch their face as they open it. These little moments are capable of producing a lot of joy.
Take up a new hobby. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to sew, or how to play football, now is your chance. Look for clubs or classes in your area; it’s not only the perfect opportunity to pick up a new skill, but it’s also a great chance to meet new people.

What is your favourite way to boost your mood when you are feeling low?

This is a collaborative post.