A new poll has revealed that many of us are guilty of letting our own needs slip to the bottom of the priority list as work, family, and daily demands build up. The survey of 4,000 UK adults, conducted by Opinium on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation, found that a quarter hadn’t taken any action to support their mental health in the previous month.
The results come ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11-17), which centres on the theme of “action”. The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging people to adopt small, manageable habits to help boost mood and improve overall wellbeing.
Alexa Knight, director of policy and influencing at Mental Health Foundation, said: “We really want people to not only think about their mental health, but to actually take concrete action. There’s a lot more understanding of mental health and how important it is, but so many of us don’t take action for ourselves or for others, and there are lots of quick, simple things we can all do that will have an impact on our mental health.”
Here are eight simple actions to incorporate into your routine: spending time in nature, moving your body daily, taking a break from screens, connecting with others, prioritising good sleep, staying hydrated, practising gratitude, and trying new things. “Being out in nature can give you a mental health boost,” says Knight. “Even a short walk in a park or sitting in the garden can have a positive impact.”
Knight also recommends writing down three things you are grateful for each day, as this can help shift your mindset back to the positive. “Being in a growth mindset where you’re taking on new challenges or learning new things has been proven to be a real boost for mental health,” she adds.
