Sandy Taylor, SRS Care Solutions’ award-winning mental health first aider is today’s guest blog writer:
Now more than ever, looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health.
It’s not something we should just do if we are struggling, or feeling low, anxious, or stressed. It’s something we should think about all the time and really take steps to invest in.
Staying on top of our mental well-being is good for us in current situations, but also helps us deal with and manage difficult times in the future. Over time, it can reduce our risk of physical health problems too. There are a lot of things we can do to look after our mental health and well-being.
Reframe unhelpful thoughts
The way we think, feel, and behave are linked. Sometimes we develop patterns of thoughts or behaviours that are unhelpful, so recognising them and taking steps to think about things differently, can improve your mental health and well-being.
Be in the present
If we take time to be aware of ourselves and be in the present moment, noticing our thoughts and feelings, and the world around us, we can gain a better perspective. Sometimes this is known as being more mindful.
Get good sleep
Connect with others
Spending quality time with friends or family, talking to someone about how we are feeling or finding ways to help other people can all help you stop feeling lonely and improve your mental health and well-being. This can be online, by phone or by seeing someone in person.
Live a healthly life
Being active, enjoying the outdoors and having a healthy, balanced diet all impact how we feel. Evidence shows that physical activity can improve your mental well-being; exercise releases endorphins (feel-good molecules) which can help positively change your mood.
Also, binning bad habits like smoking and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can positively affect our mood.
Do something for yourself
From enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax, it’s important to do things that make you happy.
Whatever you do, be sure to take some ‘you’ time!
Write a letter to future you
When you’re feeling good, think about what you would want to tell your future self if things get harder and you find you need more support. Reminding yourself of what’s keeping you feeling positive right now and the positive things in your life can help you through those more difficult times in the future.
Useful Numbers for help and support
In whatever situation you find yourself in, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
SRS Mental health first aider
Sandy can be contacted on 07483074724 or at alexander@srscaresolutions.com (please call Sandy direct or you can go through your line manager)
Details of Sandy’s well-being online platform can be found on our staff intranet
Food Banks
Salvation Army Hawick Citadel Croft Road 01450 375075
The Salvation Army Mill Street Paisley 0141 8873619
Apex Scotland Ladhope Vale Galashiels 01896 755711
Hamilton District Food Bank 24 Quarry Street 07884 451512
Financial Issues
The Money Advice Service www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 0800 1387777
Citizens Advice Service Helpline number 0800 0281456
Samaritans
Available to talk 24/7. Whatever you’re going through, call free any time, from any phone, on 116 123