World Mental Health Day
Hi everyone 💙
Today is World Mental Health Day so we wanted to remind you of some of our top tips for strengthening your mental health. It's best to practise these tips as often as you can - on days when you are feeling on top of the world, days when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders and all the days in-between...
SMASH Tip 1 - Talk. To your friends, your family, work colleagues, professionals. Speak about your mental health as honestly as you would about your physical health. The more we do this, the less taboo it becomes. It makes it more likely that we will receive support when it's needed and it will also make us more approachable to those who need us (this year's WMHD theme is suicide prevention so this point is especially important for that).💙
SMASH Tip 2 - Gratitude. Practise this daily by listing 3 things that you are grateful for. Give them more power by describing the 'why'. Why are you grateful? Be truly grateful each day (even on those difficult days - especially those days!) and see how, over time, it can give life more perspective. (Want to know more about gratitude and how you can make it work for you? Want to know how it rewires our brain to think more positively? Come to Discovery this Saturday to take part in our gratitude workshop). 💙
SMASH Tip 3 - Rest. Never underestimate the power of rest. Try to establish a routine so your body and mind know it's bed time - science has proven that this will help you sleep more deeply. Do your best to stay away from TV and mobile phones at least 30 minutes before bed, and try to allow your brain to 'switch off' by doing something like reading or meditating. Why not use cleaning your teeth before bed as a cue to practise gratitude? 💙
SMASH Tip 4 - Move. Walk, go to the gym, do a SMASH class, dance! However you move your body, try to do something every day that will raise your heart rate a little and create endorphins. These are the 'happy' chemicals created in our body through movement and exercise. Endorphins help us to think more positively and this can then help us to be more enthusiastic about change, or accepting of difficult times. 💙
SMASH Tip 5 - Be Kind. To yourself, to those you care about, to strangers. Understand that we are all different, that we are all unique in our reactions. Do not compare yourself to anyone else, do not compare yourself to the past or future you. Be kind to yourself right now and know that you are loved and that you are more powerful than you ever imagined. Treat yourself with the same love and care that you would give to your best friends and family. 💙
When we nurture our body and mind our mental health is more likely to be stronger. However, there will be times for all of us that we may experience anxiety, depression, stress, low mood, irritability. Sometimes you can't explain why, and that's okay. Sometimes our bodies get sick and we can't explain why, it's exactly the same for your mind! Hopefully though, with our top tips above, you will be able to make some changes to continue to strengthen your mental health and well-being. 💙
If you would like to talk to either of us about these tips in more detail, please reach out. Alternatively, if you are worried about your mental health and would like to speak with someone, we recommend visiting your GP and having an honest conversation about your health. Remember Tip 1 - Talk. There's a reason we wanted it to be the first tip you read, we think it's the most important. 💙
If you aren't able to see your GP sooner, or are concerned about somebody else and need advice, you could call the Samaritans on 116 123. Alternatively, check out some of these websites for more information and support -
Samaritans
Mind
NHS
Mental Health Foundation
Many of these websites will cover all aspects of mental health including stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, OCD, phobias, PTSD and many others. The more you know, the more likely you are to be happier and healthier in body and mind. Please share this email with anyone you think may benefit from reading it. 💙
Finally, we are grateful for you. Thank you for being so amazing 😊
Sam and Ash
P.S. Discovery is this Saturday at our newest location Fitness First Oxford Circus and includes a 45 minute SMASH class, 10 minute mindfulness meditation and a 30 minute well-being workshop (this month is about gratitude).Visit our website to secure your spot.
