On the theme of ‘anxiety’, this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is from 15 to 21 May. We will be supporting the Mental Health Foundation by providing tips for those struggling with anxiety across our platforms along with details on where you can find support.
Talk to Someone
One of the most important things to remember when dealing with anxiety and caring for your mental health is to recognise when you’re not feeling yourself and know when to ask for help. There’s no shame in admitting to your feelings and confiding in someone for support if you’re feeling anxious or stressed. Talking to someone you trust may help with anxiety just because it shows you that you have someone who cares enough to listen. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved.
Brentwood Borough Council’s chatty bench is a great place to sit and talk to friends, family or even a stranger (because sometimes talking about your feelings to those closest to you can be quite daunting)
Get your Body Moving
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to combat stress and has been linked to combating symptoms of anxiety as it lowers the body’s stress hormones in the long run. Putting your body through physical stress can help with the relief of mental stress immensely. Anxiety can have a big impact on getting a good night’s sleep too, so exercise will also play a big part in the improvement of your sleep quality. So going for a brisk walk on your lunch break or joining the gym will end up being hugely beneficial!
Better Gym Brentwood:
Write down your Feelings
Keeping a diary and writing down your thoughts and feelings is a great way to manage your anxiety as you can unload it all in one place, as well as rationalise your thoughts and feelings and identify triggers and patterns. Take 10 minutes at the end of each day to write down your worries from the day or scenarios which triggered your anxiety can help you avoid learn how to combat them in the future and manage your stresses.
Waterstones
Mindfulness for Every Day Journal: Simple Tips and Guided Exercises to Help You Live in the Moment (Paperback): £12.99
Make time for yourself
Amongst all the busyness that we face day to day, finding time for yourself can sometimes be easier said than done. But when it comes to your mental health, it’s so important to prioritise some me-time. Whether that’s having a pamper session with a face mask, reading a book or practising art therapy with an adult colouring book, scheduling in time to enjoy some of the little things in life can help combat those anxious feelings.
Savers
Garnier Moisture bomb sheet mask: £1.99
Use Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy isn’t just about nice smells that help you sleep or boost your mood. Aromatherapy uses essential oils as an aid for a range of physical, emotional and mental health purposes. Ylang-ylang, chamomile and clary sage aid in combatting anxiety and insomnia. Whilst inhalation is probably the most well-known method when it comes to using aromatherapy for anxiety, using essential oils in your bubble baths or using them on your skin will do the job too.
Holland & Barrett
Tisserand Little Box of Mindfulness Rollerball Kit 3x10ml: £16