Held on 10 October each year World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
The theme of 2022's World Mental Health Day, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is 'Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority'.
According to the World Health Organisation, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Add to that all of the global uncertainty, the current energy crisis and the stresses of the rising cost of living, it can be really challenging to remain unaffected in any way. And that’s for those of us not already living with a diagnosed (or undiagnosed) mental health condition.
Whilst I can’t change the things that challenge our mental health, what I do know is that it is impossible to support other people if we don’t make our own mental health and wellbeing an absolute priority.
So, what can you do to support your own mental and emotional wellbeing on an ongoing basis? Here are some ideas off the top of my head (in no particular order):
Exercise regularly (try dancing, yoga, lifting weights, fitness classes, your favourite sport, or simply go for a walk – ensure it is something you enjoy!)
Spend time in nature, especially near water if you have the opportunity
Bring nature indoors with plants or freshly cut flowers
Take up a new hobby (baking, woodwork, knitting, gardening, candle making, painting – the possibilities are endless)
Practice mindfulness by finding ways to pay attention to the present moment
Try some deep breathing exercises (in through your nose and out through your mouth)
Set yourself a new challenge (anything from fundraising to skydiving, aim to stretch your comfort zone)
Play with your pet (or someone else’s)
Express your feelings through journaling or art
Find opportunities to help others or volunteer
Enjoy a relaxing bath to help de-stress
Ensure you get enough sleep
Reduce the time you spend in front of a screen
Read a book or magazine
Watch an inspiring film or a comedy show
Listen to uplifting music
Do meditation or guided visualisation
Stop consuming the news
Declutter your closet
Phone a friend for a chat
Create something with no expectation of the outcome
Go on a retreat (I’m running one at the end of the month! Details here)
This list is not meant to overwhelm you so please don't feel you have to try them all! Perhaps there is one item on the list you could try this week? If you like accountability, feel free to message me or share in the comments what you’re going to focus on.
I expand on some of these ideas in my latest e-book “11 Ways to Be More RED” which you can download for free here.
However you’re feeling right now, remember that it’s okay to feel it. Feelings do tend to pass eventually, but it’s important to acknowledge them rather than suppressing them.
And if you need some support to make your mental wellbeing a priority, please do reach out to someone - perhaps a family member, a friend, a work colleague, your doctor, a counsellor or even me; I’ll always make myself available for a chat if you need it.
Mel Sherwood is a Pitch and Presentation Specialist and Founder of The RED Effect. She works with entrepreneurs and business professionals who want to express themselves with confidence, credibility and charisma. An Australian now based in Scotland, Mel is an award-winning speaker, trainer and coach and combines over 25 years’ experience in business with a background as an actor, presenter and singer.