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Happy, healthy and resilient tips for World Mental Health Day

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We’ve compiled these 14 tips to help you prioritise your physical and mental wellbeing this World Mental Health Day.

  1. Talk about your feelings -This can help you stay in good mental health and deal with the times when you feel troubled. Bottling up stress, anger, fear or hurt can increase the likelihood of low mood or depression.
  2. Keep active - Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, help you concentrate and help you sleep better. Exercise is a significant factor in improving your mental health and can keep your brain and other vital organs healthy.
  3. Eat well - Just like the other organs in your body, your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well. A well balanced diet is good for your mental health.
  4. Drink water - Drinking 2 litres of water over the course of a day will help to keep your body hydrated and your mind sharp.
  5. Watch your alcohol intake - Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" or de-stress, but in reality, they only aggravate problems.
  6. Ask for help - None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don't go to plan. We have various services to support you if you are feeling overwhelmed.
  7. Take a break - Give yourself some 'me time'. Just a few minutes can be enough to de-stress you and help you to concentrate on your studies.
  8. Get enough sleep - A lack of sleep can contribute to feeling low. Sleep helps memory formation and learning, regulates mental and emotional health, enhances your productivity and helps you stay alert and safe.
  9. Give of yourself - Volunteering your time and energy to help someone else in need can make you feel good about yourself— and it's a great way to meet new people.
  10. Learn how to cope with stress - Stress is a part of life but how we cope with it can make all the difference. Learning and practicing certain skills can help keep you mentally healthy: meditation, mindfulness and journal writing can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.
  11. Do something you're good at and enjoy - Enjoying yourself can help to keep you mentally healthy. What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? Having a hobby that you are good at can boost your self -esteem which will in turn improve your mental health.
  12. Surround yourself with like-minded people - People with strong social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. What clubs and societies can you join to meet likeminded people? Laughing with friends is excellent therapy.
  13. Be kind to yourself - We're all different. Treat yourself with kindness and respect and value your unique qualities. Learning to be your own best friend, forgiving yourself and encouraging positive self-talk can improve your mood and mental health.
  14. Get plenty of sunlight - Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D which is an important vitamin for our bodies and our brains, releasing chemicals which improve our mood. Try to go outdoors when you can, but make sure to protect your skin and eyes.

You can find more tips and resources at our wellbeing hub.

world mental health day