What small things have you done to improve your mental health?

[C1239]

Things seem quite stressful in general for lots of people at the moment. Just wondering what small things people have done to try and improve their mental health and if it’s made an improvement for you?

Coming off Mumsnet always makes a difference to my mental health, but it's just so hard to resiiiiist!

You want Action For Happiness! It's amazing. Every month they produce a calendar of tiny daily actions you can do that are proven to boost mental health.

This month's theme is Optimistic October.

actionforhappiness.org/calendar

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@Sunnidaze Where do you get hold of this from?

Listening to a podcast or radio program rather than stewing in my own thoughts.

Limiting the amount of news I read/am exposed to.

Staying away from other people’s dramatics and hyperbole, particularly with regards the news. Most people don’t know what the fuck they’re talking about and/or are recycling “something I read on Facebook” with a hefty dollop of loving the drama.

Pilates classes - really good for mindfulness as well as the body.

Thank you for everyone’s responses, some great ideas here

Healthy diet and no alcohol, staying a healthy weight, getting enough sleep (at least 9h), exercise (running first thing, weights x3-4 per week). It sounds tedious and a lot of work and tbh it is, but it pays huge dividends and is the only way I can maintain my workload and feel ok. Giving up work or reducing my hours would also be a good thing but not possible atm. I also think having a dog would be very good for my mental health but too busy for one right now.

@TerrifiedOfGivingBirthAgain the one I use is Clear Mind Hypnotherapy, but there are probably lots around.

Turned off the TV news. I can't control what's happening in the world, so listening to it isn't helpful

Antidepressants - I felt a lot of shame in calling the doctor to ask for them but it has made a significant difference.

Accepting that some days will be bad/difficult and it's OK to just get through the day without heaping pressure on myself to do extra things just because I feel I should be doing them.

Not trying to fix all of DH's issues - sometimes I just take a step back and let him figure it out, so I'm not worrying about his concerns as well as my own.

Taking time for myself and doing the things I enjoy. I recently took my book and went to a coffee shop alone. I felt guilty for doing that while my parents watched my DC but I don't know why - it was lovely!

@Sunnidaze thank you x

Very very stressful time for me these past few months at work. As with number of tech companies, we're going through a series of layoffs as a result of being "right sized" for anticipated downturn in business, plus losing business and positions be relocated to other locations in EU. My own position is OK for now, but I'm in the middle of a sh1tst0rm.

Every day I go for a short walk outdoors from our office alone at lunchtime. I sit/stand at a coffee shop and just take enjoyment at seeing other people chatting, smiling greeting and having a good time. It's nice to be reminded that even if I'm in a bad place, others are not.

Sertraline, vitamins, exercise every day a weighted blanket for sleeping. Not a small thing, but getting a dog.

@Sunnidaze can I ask what benefits you have found from the hypnotherapy sessions so far?

I listen to audiobooks. Had intended to get back into reading for relaxation but found my eyes needed a break from staring at words after being online all day for work.
So I've cancelled Netflix and taken out an Audible subscription and now don't even turn on the TV in the evening.
I sleep so much better and my daily headaches have stopped.

Running/swimming
Regular walks in countryside/woodland
Radically reducing alcohol intake
Trying to get enough sleep (I don't always succeed at this but I notice when I do).