Your mental health matters!

It’s time for Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May) and with the world around us becoming increasingly stressful, looking after your mental health is more important than ever, and small daily habits can make a big difference.

Here are some tips on how to keep your mind healthy and balanced:

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Keep Physically Active

Regular exercise releases endorphins, which help boost mood and reduce stress. Take the stairs instead of the lift, or go for a walk at lunchtime.

Maintain Social Connections  

Good relationships are critical for your mental wellbeing. Make time to catch up with friends, family and colleagues. Surround yourself with supportive people.

Give To Others

Acts of kindness create positive feelings and a sense of reward.  It can be as simple as spending time with friends or family who need support, or volunteering in the community. 

Prioritise Self-Care

Take time for activities that nourish your mind—whether it's reading, listening to music, or simply resting.

Get Enough Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for emotional regulation and cognitive function.

Practice Mindfulness 

Staying present and engaging in mindfulness techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve focus.

Learn New Skills

A good way to boost self-esteem and confidence, learning new skills can range from trying a new hobby to enrolling on an evening class.

Limit Negative Influences

Being aware of harmful environments and reducing your exposure to them is essential, whether they’re toxic relationships, excessive social media, or negative self-talk.

Seek Professional Help When Needed

Speaking with a counsellor can provide valuable guidance and support.

Following these healthy habits should help to maintain good mental health.  It’s also important to be aware of the behaviours that can negatively affect your mental wellbeing.

Social Isolation

Don’t avoid social interactions – this can increase loneliness and heighten feelings of anxiety or depression.  Don’t rely on technology alone to build relationships. It's easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people without connecting with them face to face.

Overworking & Neglecting Rest

Constant stress and lack of relaxation can lead to burnout.  Prioritise regular breaks and time away from work.

Excessive Screen Time and Doomscrolling

Negative news can be stressful, and social media can fuel unrealistic comparisons.  Take regular digital detox breaks and engage in offline activities that nourish the mind.

Poor Diet and Lack of Exercise

Unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle can have a negative effect on mood and energy levels.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Excessive alcohol or substance use may provide temporary relief but harm mental health in the long run.  Choose healthier coping strategies like exercise or mindfulness. 

If you feel that you’re turning to alcohol or substance use and are worried about this, CADAS can help.  CADAS has expertise in helping those dealing with addiction and we support anyone who feels their addiction is problematic.  We don’t require people to give up alcohol altogether if that’s not what they want to do, but we do focus on the reduction of harm to themselves or others.  We don’t just support people struggling with dependency or addiction issues – we are also there for ‘affected others’ – the people who are affected by, or worried about someone else’s addictive behaviours. 

If you need help, please check out our website www.cadas.co.uk or give us a call on our freephone helpline 0800 254 56 58 and we can have a chat about the support we can offer.  If you’re concerned about someone else, please share our information with them and encourage them to contact us.