8 Little Things To Keep Your Mental Health Happy

19th August 2018

I’ve been struggling lately.

Like really struggling when it comes to my mental health.

I’ve covered this a little bit in my anxiety post, however as I’m navigating through the bloody minefield that is mental health struggles for the first time in my 25 years, there’s a light. It brings me more comfort than I can put into words that some of the people I admire and aspire to the most have also had run ins with the lil bastard that is that whisper in the back of your mind.

That little voice that mumbles ‘this is too much’, ‘you can’t do this’, ‘why are you bothering?’.

I’ve started to kind of/ sort of/ maybe/ ish discover what my triggers are and how to deal with them. I’ve realised that the phrase ‘it’s the small things that add up to the big things’ is 114% accurate when it comes to mental health. Well, mine anyway.

So, I’ve compiled some little things that will keep your mental health happy that will hopefully prevent the big things from happening.

Get into a routine

I don’t know about you, but if I don’t have structure to my day I go into a bit of a freefall. With this in mind, going to bed and waking up at the same time (ish), eating healthy (ish) and excerising (ish) does me bloomin’ wonders.

I know how many hours I’m juggling with, and what can get done in that time. As well as making sure I’m getting ma beauty sleep, vitamins and endorphins.

Plan a holiday

If you’re in the financial position to book a little trip or holiday, I beseech you. It doesn’t have to be exotic, or even far. Just a night away from your usual surroundings is so important.

Having something to look forward and to work towards will provide some much needed motivation.

Life detox

This could be a so-called friend that isn’t adding anything positive to your life. That girl on Twitter who is constantly whining about whatever nonsense has befallen her that day. Or even that app that tells you who’s unfollowed you.

Get rid of them all.

If they’re not making you happy, why are you entertaining the notion of them taking up that space in your life? Your time is too precious to waste.

Get a low-maintenance pet

I am by no means suggesting that you nip off and bring home a puppy (regardless of how f’ing wonderful that would be), I’m talking low key. Something that doesn’t need much looking after, like a fish or two.

It’s scientifically proven that watching fish calms you, why do you think they have them in the dentist waiting room? Taking care of something, and watching them thrive is really rewarding and purposeful.

Failing a fish, you can get Sea Monkeys on Amazon – the weirdest little creatures ever. Or failing that, a houseplant will have to suffice. Either way, keeping something alive is the main point.

Let the anxiety out

Whether it’s confiding in a loved one or writing it down in a journal, simply talking about whatever is going on will relieve that pressure.

You’re entitled to however you feel, so never feel like you’ll burden someone or you’re ‘just being silly’. Feelings are feelings, so never apologise.

Once you’ve figured out what’s going on and got it out there, you can deal with it. Break it down into manageable and bite size pieces, and you can tackle whatever it is.

A day for yourself

What do you love doing? Baking? Painting? Writing? Photography? Whatever. Spend an entire day doing what you love.

Whatever you feel passionate about, and just immerse yourself in it. Whatever makes your soul happy, do that and do it often.

Delete #goals folders

I’m guilty of this in the past, especially with my body. I would find these beautiful girls online, who had these ‘perfect’ bodies that I was so desperate to have. And of course, I would screenshot their images for my #goals folder.

I would spend more time striving for what they looked like, I would miss my own progression. And whatever progress I did make was never good enough.

Stop comparing your chapter 1 with someone else’s chapter 13. Regardless of what your goal is, be your authentic self. Focus on your own journey, your own progress and revel in the successes you achieve, big or small. They’re all important and worthy of your celebration.

Celebrate the small things

Which brings me nicely onto my final, and favourite point. Celebrate a success everyday, as there’s something to be proud of everyday.

You’ve stuck to your healthy eating? Celebrate.

If you’ve got a new job? Celebrate.

If you’ve done something new and out of your comfort zone? Celebrate.

You’ve got up and showered that day? Celebrate.

There is something to rejoice about every single day. And always something to feel proud of yourself about.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

(If you didn’t sing those words in the voice of Heather Small, I weep for humanity.)

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5 responses to “8 Little Things To Keep Your Mental Health Happy”

  1. Definitely not you. I try to surround myself with things that I love to help me through. Keeping busy also helps x

  2. Aw such lovely ideas! I definitely need to celebrate the little victories more, I so wish I could book a holiday ahhh, I’m feeling serious wanderlust >< your blog and photos are so pretty! 😀 xx

    elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
    (I would love to follow each other on bloglovin if you like! :D)

  3. Rebecca Allatt says:

    Love this post, just what I needed on this anxiety filled morning ❤️ x

  4. I love that very few people like Bounty. I get to gorge myself on them without anyone being annoyed that I’ve taken their favourite.
    These were such great tips. I’m currently going through a life detox. Unfollowing anyone who makes me angry or irritated has made social media a much better experience for me.

    Laura \\ http://thatgallowaygirl.com/
    xx

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