This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.
Mental Health is our emotional, psychological and social well-being and it affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps to determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.
The theme for this year is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’.
Research has shown that regular physical activity can make us happier and healthier.
Incorporating regular physical activity into your life can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self-esteem. Every little bit counts, whether that’s going for a walk, marching on the spot, doing some stretches or chair exercises.
Other than some physical activity, here are some other pointers you might consider:
- Spending time with friends, doing something different or something you enjoy, treating yourself, maybe mindfulness or spiritual reflection, or just switching off your laptop on time.
- Completing an online well-being self-assessment, such as the St John's Ambulance version, is really helpful.
- Speaking with your manager about workload and work-related stress to ensure we can maintain our well-being at work.
- For clergy, we have our Diocesan Clergy Well-being Covenant to support you in your physical health, mental resilience, spiritual well-being and vocational growth.
- Where life experiences affect your mental health, it might be appropriate to speak with your doctor to seek professional help.
- The charity Mind has some helpful resources.
Whatever your circumstances or level of mental health, please take this week as an opportunity to take stock.