Navigating Your Mental Health Journey: Insights from Becki, Our Brook House Service Manager.
At Active Pathways, we are committed to providing outstanding support and guidance for those on their mental health journeys. This Mental Health Awareness Week, Our dedicated Service Manager, Becki, has generously shared her top tips to maintain and improve mental health. These strategies, rooted in both scientific understanding and compassionate care, can make a world of difference in your day-to-day life.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Food plays a pivotal role in regulating our mood and energy levels. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can significantly improve your mental well-being. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish like salmon are known to reduce symptoms of depression. Similarly, try incorporating foods like spinach, bananas, and eggs, which are rich in tryptophan, known to boost serotonin levels and uplift your mood.
- Stay Active: Exercise is a powerful tool for managing mental health. Even simple activities like taking a brisk walk, dancing to your favourite tunes, or practising yoga can release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormones. Try incorporating at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your daily routine. Remember, the goal is to find a form of physical activity you enjoy that you’ll be more likely to stick with.
- Get Quality Sleep: Sleep is essential for our mental and emotional well-being. Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment by limiting electronic devices before bedtime. If you struggle with sleep, consider incorporating relaxation techniques, such as reading or meditating, into your nightly routine.
- Connect with Others: Social connections are crucial to our mental health. Make time for meaningful connections, whether that’s having a chat over a cup of tea, going for a walk with a friend, or even joining a local community group. If face-to-face meetings are not possible, connect virtually. The power of a shared experience, laugh, or kind word should never be underestimated.
- Ask for Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember it’s okay to seek help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family members, or a mental health professional. You are not alone; numerous resources are available to support you.
Indeed, there is a wealth of supportive charities across the UK, such as Lancashire MIND, Together, Recovery and Outcomes, and the Depression Alliance. These organisations are committed to providing information, resources, and community connections for anyone affected by mental health issues. Find their contact details here.
At Active Pathways, we stand with you on your journey towards mental well-being. We believe that understanding and managing your mental health is a journey to be traversed together, hand-in-hand. It’s a fundamental part of our mission, and our dedicated staff strive every day to make this vision a reality.
In the wise words of our Service Manager at Brook House, “Mental health is not a destination, but a process; it’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” So why not share this post and help others navigate their own journeys? You never know who could benefit from this information.
For more information or to make a referral to Brook House or to any of our other services, please contact Natalia at Natalia.Lysiuk@Active-Pathways.com