Looking after our mental health is so important for all aspects of our lives, from improving our sense of wellbeing to ensure we’re staying connected to the people that matter. Over my time at Evergreen, I’ve been able to reflect on the key pillars of mental wellbeing and I’d like to offer some tips that you can incorporate into your everyday life that will help bring you joy.

I hope you enjoy the tips and please do leave a comment if there is anything that works for you.

Exercise

Exercise is paramount to maintaining a healthy mind and making you feel more relaxed. Whether it means taking the stairs instead of the lift or simply going for a morning walk, you will be sure to feel the benefit.

According to MedlinePlus, our bodies release chemicals during exercise that improve your mood, reduce stress and make you feel more relaxed. Adding to this, exercise stimulates your body to release chemicals and proteins that actually improve the structure and function of your brain – what a wonderful reason to get moving!

Connect With Others

Us humans are social creatures. It’s important for us to feel valued and connected to others. Research shows that an active social life leads to increased happiness and better health, while loneliness has, in fact, been associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure. Even if it means reaching out to family or friends over email or social media, connecting with people around you on some level is a great mood booster.

Here are a couple of steps you can take for better connection with others:

Listen to those around you and remember to check in on what’s happening in their life. It will show people you are listening, and you care about them.

Try making a list of people you’d like to be in contact with regularly. You can then put reminders in place to ensure you get in touch.

Eat Well

Food is important fuel for a healthy mind. Eating a wide range of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and healthy fats is crucial to provide your body with the vital nutrients it needs to function. My rule of thumb is to always balance your diet. While I occasionally treat myself with a biscuit or two, I maintain a healthy diet most of the time to give my body the right fuel. Personally, when I eat well, I notice I have a greater mental clarity and much more energy. You really are what you eat!

Practice Self-love

Taking care of yourself and practicing self-love extends to all areas of your life. Self-love can mean taking some time to enjoy your favourite hobby, seeing an old friend or being gentle with yourself if you make a mistake or something doesn’t go the way you’d hoped. Keeping a diary, reading inspiring books and reminding yourself of what you’re grateful for can be a great way to do this.

Give Back

When we give back, we feel it good. It’s so simple – I wonder why more people don’t do it! Something as small as helping someone over the road or doing a favour for a friend can vastly improve your mood and help someone in need.

Make sure you take the time to make your mental health a priority. I hope some of my tips will help you along the way!

Yours sincerely,

Anne Warner

Village Manager

If you want to discuss options available to you or your family, get in touch with us today at www.evergreenretirement.com.au/