Mental health… we’ve all got it, and it can fluctuate between being good and bad.
I suspect there are very few people out there that can claim to have had a great 2020, and as an osteopath I believe that physical and mental health are inextricably linked.
So here are just a few simple tips that might help you look after yours:
1) Be in the present… most things we worry about have either happened in the past or are a construct of our imagination and will probably never happen. How many times have you worried about something that never actually happened?
2) Try to get good sleep… routine is important, try to relax and wind down as well as avoiding stimulants like coffee and tea. Avoiding phone and computer screens might help too, as well as making sure your bedroom is both dark and quiet.
3) Connect with others… Covid has made this one difficult this year but, spending quality time with friends or family and talking to someone about how you feel can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Finding ways to help other people can also stop you feeling lonely and improve your mood. This can be done online, by phone or (when possible...) seeing someone in person!
4) Live a healthy life… Being active, enjoying the outdoors and having a healthy, balanced diet all impact how we feel. Also, binning bad habits like smoking, and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can have a positive effect on our mood.
5) Reframe unhelpful thoughts…The way we think, feel and behave are linked. Sometimes we develop patterns of thoughts or behaviours that are unhelpful so recognising them, and taking steps to think about things differently, can improve your mental health and wellbeing.
There is a growing body of evidence that what experts call “psycho-social factors” are one of the most reliable “indicators" for people that suffer long term back and neck pain. Put simply, there seems to be a correlation between stress and pain!!
Please look after your mental health and always try to remember to be kind, because none of us know what anyone else is going through.
If you need us, we are currently able to stay open throughout any tier/lockdown system because we are a “covid-secure” practice and classified as allied healthcare professionals. If you need to see an osteopath, give us a call at the Bexleyheath Osteopathic Practice on 02082987122.
We have male and female osteopaths in Bexleyheath available to help you, and hope to welcome you soon!!