What lifestyle change improved your mental health

[Bye2024]

What changes did you make to your life to help your mental health? Last year I barely got through it. Got into a slump where I was just existing. This year I'm determined to fight this and flourish.

Travel, when I went through a difficult time in my life I found getting on a train or a bus and a change of scenery really helped my mental health.if you can afford to book a couple of nights away,

the sea especially worked wonders!

I swear that the summer I went to seaside for a few days by myself changed my life. I sat and stared at the sea for ages and I felt like I came home and left all my mental baggage at the beach.

Honestly? It was asking for a divorce. The house is cleaner (which helps my mh), tidier (which helps my mh), quieter (which helps my mh), costs less to run (which helps my mh) and no arguments (which helps my mh). I am also starting to stress snack less.

What do you think causes your mh to take a dive?

Deciding to finally allow myself membership of my regular swimming pool - so I can go whenever I like and decompress. I’ve got fitter, taken on swim events, and feel good that I’m prioritising my wellbeing financially even tho money is tight.

Also - leaving an emotionally neglectful, psychologically abusive relationship. Never felt better than in this past 4months since I’ve been single.

Walking first thing in the morning, lots of sleep. Relaxation.

No! I don't have social media, never had. MN is not the same at all. I think there are many genuine posters on it helps my mental health to see how many people are kind and caring. Not to mention funny, sometimes I laugh out load and DH looks at me like I've lost it.

Started a new hobby and met lots of friends. Also joined a gym and do classes but I like the Pilates slower type classes.

Going to bed an hour early and listening to a podcast - usually Dr Chaterjee’s one or 10% Happier. Has made a HUGE impact on my mental health.

@StrayGoose is there a particular kind of meditation you do? I've been attempting to meditate for years but it just feels a bit pointless. I can focus on my breath all I like; I still want to die. Any tips gratefully received!

Definitely swimming, at least twice a week. Underwater for additional benefits. My routine is that I go in the morning fairly soon after getting up. I shower quickly at the pool before the swim - not at home. My bag is always packed with essentials for a swim trip. Like a pp I joined a pool in my case the local hotel, I also do the steam or sauna afterwards. I shower properly after again at the pool.

i mainly shop online but if feeling mentally or physically not great I make sure to buy extra fruit and veg and if finances allow plan some decent easy meals such as a salmon salad to take to work. I have a good breakfast most days - kefir, fruit, granola.

on days when I feel overwhelmed I set a couple of tasks and make sure to give myself credit for doing them. I mean 10 minute tasks which today for me was changing the bed and doing laundry loads x 2. I focus on that and not all the jobs that still need doing.

@arcticpandas oh good then I'm not on SM either! still spend too much time on MN though.. 😂

@straygoose how did you find your retreat? I would really like something like this. I literally can't go on how i am.

Working part time. I can have time to myself

@FoxLoxInSox unfortunately I am currently in a relationship similar to this. Not helping my mental state. Good for you for leaving

Mindfulness meditation. Ideally in a group but failing that recordings.

Regular outdoor exercise. I've been lucky to find something I enjoy that's also sociable. The young ones drag me on a night out. It's just a given that everyone's welcome and I love that.

To follow on from this, I use the app to record my hours outside (1000 hours outside). I started part way last year and kind of lost momentum so I've decided to restart it today.
1000 hours works out as 2.7 hours/ day. Winter it tough but summer you can really make a difference. You get badges as you progress and it's great for getting me outside more.

Oooh thanks - an app sounds much better!

Pilates, daily meditation and journaling, running, healthy diet. getting enough sleep and getting a cat!

Also changing my mindset and being grateful for what I have and for each new day (I was very unwell last year when I had a complete mental and physical breakdown and was even suicidal so I remind myself every day that I am lucky to still be here).

Moving out of London to live in a small seaside town.

The next step is to leave my toxic workplace.

Definitely go for the walk, it will make such a difference! I've lost count of the amount of people I have said this to . . . a brisk walk every day is my therapy!

@startingagainandagain sorry to hear that but i get you. That's the way I have been feeling.

Do u go to a pilates class? Will look to see if there is one local to me. Is ur meditation online or a class? Do you journaling at night just a recap of your day? Sorry for all the questions but really want to take all on board

Walking minimum 6-7k steps a day
Star jumps to shake any unwelcome feeling thoughts

Making more effort to treat myself more kindly and not criticise myself all the time. Not pushing myself so hard all the time.

Running - it's something I took up aged about 50, and I wish I'd done it decades earlier

If that sounds too much, then walking - ideally somewhere that's green.

And if that's still too much, just go outside - it's good for you in itself to be in natural light (rather than daylight through a window)

Stopping drinking alcohol. Although I did have a major breakdown this year so maybe not. I'd have probably had it sooner if I'd still been drinking.

• Diet- No alcohol, loads of fresh veg and fruit (low processed).
• bedtime routine and more sleep
• some kind of exercise several times a week

A walk, then come home and have some tea and biscuits. Sounds so small, but I live for this.