With so much uncertainty and the increase in self-isolation, the hero team has put together some top tips and expert advice and support to help you with your mental health if you or someone you know is isolated.
Rather than binge watching Netflix, how about opting for activities to help keep your mind active and support your mental health – whether it’s reading a book, doing a crossword, knitting or crafting, making a tasty meal from scratch, home workouts or starting an online course, there are plenty of options to support your mental health. Take a look at our article on 5 New Habits to Take Up.
hero Wellbeing Therapist Ashleigh Turner says, “A favourite technique of mine is mindfulness. This doesn’t mean you have to make time for a full mindfulness body scan (but if you do, this is a great way to unwind). It could be anything from a few mindful moments connecting with your breath, to mindfully eating your favourite chocolate bar or taking a mindful bath or shower – all of these moments can contribute to lowering our stress levels.”
hero Wellbeing Coach and yoga instructor Gavin has put together some simple breathing techniques to help reduce anxiety, decrease stress and help you to relax:
If you’re isolated, it can be easy to focus on the negatives. To try to maintain a positive mindset, you could start or end your day by writing down three things you’re grateful for – this could be as simple as:
1. I had a great cup of tea
2. I called a friend
3. I started a new project
Client Success Manager Alice started doing this a couple of weeks ago, “I send my three positive things to a friend every evening, and she sends hers back to me. We don’t have to talk about them (although we often do) and it’s been really useful as a way to focus on the positives of the day.”
Often we focus so much on other people that we can forget to take care of ourselves – how about taking a warm bath with some favourite bubble bath and scented candles, making a nice meal, reading a book, or doing something which is all about you.
Your adrenal glands produce the main stress response hormones adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol – you can support the function of your adrenal glands by making sure you eat key nutrients such as Vitamin C and Magnesium. Vitamin C is found in most fresh fruit and vegetables – it is stored in the adrenal gland and is required to make cortisol. Magnesium is dramatically depleted in times of stress, and symptoms of deficiency often include fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and predisposition to stress. Include plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds to supply adequate levels of magnesium to support both your body and mind.
We’ll be sharing more tips over the coming days and weeks but to stay in touch follow us on Instagram, Facebook and visit the website – herowellbeing.com
