Mental health has always been important, but it’s never been as widely discussed as it has since the start of the pandemic. While 1 in 4 people in the UK suffers from a mental health illness typically, it’s no surprise to see all of us affected in some way as a result of Covid-19, whether that be from isolation, depression, or stress.While many people are jumping on the fitness train trying to fall in love with their body and get moving once again as the pandemic seemingly winds down, it’s also important we consider how to care for our mental health.Please keep reading for my top tips on what you can do to look after your mental health in a pandemic world. You’re sure to find something you can integrate into your life and routine which will help boost your mood, prevent mental health illnesses, and help you live a happier and healthier life.

Live Healthily

Our physical health is essential for boosting our mental health. Therefore, why not hop on the fitness trends and find something fun and moves your body. You don’t need to run miles if you hate this, you could swim, lift weights, or even join a sports team. Exercise can provide us with amazing mental health benefits, such as reducing symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, relieving stress, improving memory and sleep, and boosting our mood. Make sure to combine exercise with a balanced diet for full mental health and cognitive function benefits.Sleep is also vital for a healthy life and improved mental health. If we have poor sleep, then this can contribute to a wide range of mental health problems. So you must try to get quality sleep every night, including the weekends. For most people, a healthy amount of sleep is between 7 and 9 hours each night.

Find a Fun Routine

It’s important for our mental health that we find and do things regularly which bring us happiness. This can be something as simple as reading before bed or watching a show every week. Maybe you can find a new hobby to tackle, such as painting, knitting, or another fun and engaging activity. This helps calm our mind, diverting our focus from negative thoughts and feelings and boost our cognitive function.

Friends and Family

All people need to have regular social engagement with friends and family to develop their social skills and keep their minds happy. It is even more beneficial for people who are facing mental health issues. While mental health concerns like depression and anxiety might try and force us to stay inside and avoid social interactions, we need to overcome these negative thoughts and pressure and still try and see our friends and family.If you are struggling to find time for face-to-face meetings or your mental health is too overwhelming, then try to speak to people over the phone. A short conversation catching up with friends and family can help boost your mood and prevent you from feeling isolated from the rest of the world.

Seek Mental Health Support

Lastly, and arguably the most important tip, is the seek professional mental health support. None of us are experts of our own minds. The mind is a complex thing, and people spend years learning the intricacies so that they can support others in their mental health journeys. In addition, people are still researching the mind so that we can develop new methods and techniques to support mental health and overcome issues like depression and anxiety.If you feel you are struggling with your mental health due to Covid-19, or something else such as bullying, self-esteem issues, or a recent loss, then therapy can help your ongoing journey. Therapy is a great way to work with an expert in understanding and accepting your mental health issues and working together to overcome associated symptoms that plague your daily life.For more information about how I can support your mental health, please look at my website. If you would like to know more about the impact of Covid-19 on mental health or other mental health concerns like anxiety and PTSD, take a look at my vast collection of blogs or speak to me over the phone. I am here to support everyone, no matter their fears or anxieties around starting therapy. I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their story.