According to the National Office of Statistics, the rate of depression has doubled from 1 in 10 before the pandemic to 1 in 5 during lockdown. This is why it is important that we focus on our mental health and practice positivity.

Day-to-day tips

Exercise

It is important to exercise! Exercising releases endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety and generally leaves us feeling more positive. Especially, as millions of people are now working from home it is important to get some fresh air to increase your mood and have a break away from your workspace.

Meditation

Meditation not only benefits your mental health, but also your physical health. Most people feel anxious being out of their normal routines and adapting to life in these strange times – meditation helps control this anxiety and relives stress. A University of Stanford team found that Mindfulness-based stress reduction exercises brought about changes in the brain region involving attention, as well as relief form symptoms of social anxiety. In 2011, Sara Lazar and her team at Harvard found that mindfulness meditation can change the structure of the brain. Meditation is a great way to regain control of your mental health and bring inner peace.

eating well

A balanced and healthy diet improves your mental health drastically. You should avoid foods that make your blood sugar rise rapidly such as sweet, biscuits and sugary drinks. However, these are fine every once in a while!

Your gut can affect how you are feeling emotionally. If you’re stressed or anxious this can make your gut slow down or speed up. Therefore, it is important to eat foods that encourage good digestion. Healthy gut foods include: fruits, vegetables, wholegrain, beans, pulses and any other probiotic foods. As we are all locked in, take time to teach yourself how to cook delicious dishes. Learning new recipes can be enjoyable. Experimenting with new foods and eating well is essential for good mental health.

working from home tips

According to a survey conducted by Nuffield Health, the UK’s largest healthcare charity, 80% of Brits feel that working from home has negatively impacted their mental health. Therefore, it is important to follow certain procedures to help increase happiness!

Light

Opening your curtains and letting light into your workspace is vital for your mental health. Light decreases depression scores and increases cognitive performance – so not only will you feel great, you will be working more efficiently!

Having a clean workspace

It is easy to get lazy – especially when working from home and your desk is in your bedroom. However, having a clean workspace is not only practical, it is important for clarity and mental wellness. A paper by Catherine A. Roster suggests that clutter impedes on the workers emotional wellbeing as well as stunting productivity.

Routine

Being in a routine will help keep your mind occupied and allows you to feel in control of everything. Having a sense of control over your life helps reduce stress. Taking time out for yourself to set your alarm an hour before work so you can go on a walk or read a book will substantially improve your mental health.