5 Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health Right Now
Easy tips for protecting your psyche from the everyday woes of life…
Clinical counsellor and founder of Oman’s first mental-health clinic, Whispers of Serenity, Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said shares her guide to happiness here.
Self-Care
We spend a lot of time doing things for others – and that’s not bad – but you always have to think about looking after yourself first. That can mean not putting yourself down, or patting yourself on the shoulder and telling yourself you’re doing a good job and to keep moving forward. This is one of the main ingredients in positive mental health.
Mindfulness
When we speak about mindfulness, we mean everything you do during your day – don’t take it for granted. The smells you smell, the food you eat, the people you communicate with, the work that you’re doing… Just reflecting on and being grateful for everything you have is a very important component.
Be Present
Living day-by-day is also crucial. Many of us think a lot about the past and how it was back then, even wishing we were back there. Alternatively, we think too much about the future and begin to worry about what’s going to happen. As a continuation of mindfulness, take things step-by-step. At times like this it’s too overwhelming to keep on wondering what the future holds or carry on lamenting the past. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still create goals for ourselves, but living in the moment will make things far less stressful and take the pressure off.
Move Your Body
A lot of people conflate eating healthily with eating things that aren’t fun, but it’s more about eating lovely food, at the right time, and in the right amounts. Doing exercise is also key, but even a light walk can make a difference – it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Good People
Surround yourself with people who have positive vibes, people who push hope, and people who support you and tell you you’re doing a good job. They boost positive immunity. Be thankful for them. Be kind to them. This is the secret ingredient!
Lead image courtesy of Unsplash
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s October 2020 issue