It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This is a week dedicated to thinking about the protection of our own mental health and that of others. Here, I’m sharing a few wellbeing ideas and a little bit about how my children and I support our mental health.
Take time for the little things
With the pace of life these days, it’s easy to end up rushing around – I’m definitely guilty of this myself. Don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the little things! This could be relaxing with a hot cup of coffee, noticing beautiful flowers on a walk, or simply feeling the warmth of the sun in the sky. I always feel so much better for taking the time to appreciate things I would otherwise have missed as I rushed by them. Give it a try!
Get in touch with nature
For me, spending time in nature is my favourite way to unwind and lift my mood. It’s easy to fit in to everyday life as the children love being outside too! We spend time at our allotment at the weekends, enjoying the fresh air and exercise involved in growing our own food. The children like to stop and watch the robins, who now have a feeder in our plum tree. It’s a perfect way to slow down and appreciate nature!
We also go for lots of walks, especially in the summer. Sometimes through the woods or along the river, or we might venture a little further and wander along the beach. We’re lucky to have Needham Lake (in Needham Market) nearby – a great location for a nature walk with lots of wildlife to spot, then a quick coffee to relax while the children play.
Settle down with a book
Reading always helps me to relax. I tend to make time to read in the evenings, especially during the winter months when the nights draw in. A warm blanket and lighting a favourite candle makes this me-time even cosier. I’ve always encouraged my children to read regularly, and my youngest two in particular have developed a love of reading! They have quiet time for reading every night before bed to help them relax and switch off ready to sleep.
Practice self-care
Self-care isn’t just about material things you can do, it’s also about putting yourself first sometimes. That could mean saying no, setting boundaries or just spending some time alone if that’s what you need. With three children, it can be hard to find time for myself and have a rest so I try to make the most of my youngest’s nap time each day while the older two are at school.
It’s also important to ask for help when you need it. I have a tendency to try to do everything myself until I feel completely worn out and have to ask for help, when the sensible thing to do would have been to ask for help to begin with. I’ll learn from this one day!
Get together with others
Spending time with others is a great way to improve your mental health. With a busy schedule of working and running the children about, it can sometimes be difficult to find time to socialise. I make a point of taking my youngest to toddler groups every week so he is able to mix with children his own age, and I make the most of the opportunity to chat with other parents.
Try a reflexology treatment
I try to find time regularly to practice hand reflexology on myself. This always results in a brilliant nights sleep and is great for giving your mood and wellbeing a boost too! My mum and children also enjoy the occasional treatment.
Reflexology is a perfect addition to your wellness routine, which can bring about improvements for both your physical and mental health. With relaxing sessions tailored to your specific needs, there’s no better way to unwind and feel truly rejuvenated. Click through to learn more about my reflexology treatments and get in touch to discuss how I can help you.
What do you do to support your mental health?
