Bolster Your Mental Health for the Coming Covid Winter

Three tips to bolster your mental health in the coming winter

1.

Get enough good quality sleep, every night.

Sleep has a huge impact on your mood, and your ability to cope with stress and adversity. 

Think of the last time you had a poor or short night’s sleep, and how hard it was to get through your workday. Know how many hours of sleep you need a night to feel at your best, and do whatever it takes to get that sleep.

If you have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, here are some posts from Psychology Today, that might help:

2.

Exercise, exercise, exercise.

Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, and to improve self-esteem and social withdrawal.

If you’re vulnerable to low moods, anxiety, stress, or burnout, exercise should be your best friend. 

You should try to get moving every single day but the most important thing is that you get moving as much as possible. Every little bit will make a difference.

If the weather isn’t so nice, find ways to exercise indoors, or bundle up and get outside if you can.

3.

Eating to protect your mood.

  • Eat Regularly!
  • If your blood sugar drops you might feel tired, irritable and depressed. Eating regularly and choosing foods that release energy slowly will help to keep your sugar levels steady.
  • Get your 5 a day!
  • Vegetables and fruit contain a lot of the minerals, vitamins and fibre we need to keep us physically and mentally healthy. Eating a variety of different coloured fruits and vegetables every day means you’ll get a good range of nutrients. As a general rule, one portion is about a handful, small bowl or a small glass.
  • Get enough protein!
  • Protein contains amino acids, which make up the chemicals your brain needs to regulate your thoughts and feelings. It also helps keep you feeling fuller for longer.
  • Eat the right fats!
  • Your brain needs fatty acids (such as omega-3 and -6) to keep it working well. So rather than avoiding all fats, it’s important to eat the right ones. Try to avoid anything which lists ‘trans fats’ or ‘partially hydrogenated oils’ in the list of ingredients (such as some shop-bought cakes and biscuits). They can be tempting when you’re feeling low, but this kind of fat isn’t good for your mood or your physical health in the long run.

    For more help and advice for managing your mental health please visit mind.org.uk

    Bolster Your Mental Health for the Coming Covid Winter

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