The theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, marked annually on the 10th October, is “Mental health for all: greater investment, greater access”. So what can you do this year to make mental health and mental health support a greater priority in your life?
Every year, more than 800,000 people take their own lives. This is more than through war and homicide combined. It’s a grim reality that without support and access to professional help, many people will take their own lives every year.Removing the stigma surrounding mental illness and providing people with greater access to the help they need is crucial to reverse this bleak picture. Now, with the backdrop of a global pandemic contributing to greater stress, anxiety and isolation in people’s lives, it is vital that all people have access to the quality mental health services they need, without the financial hardship.So what can we do to help ourselves when faced with challenges to our mental health? Whether you are burdened by career pressures, money worries, major life changes, arguments with loved ones or isolation and loneliness, there are things you can do to take care of your mental health, even on a small budget.
Keep in touch
Studies show that feeling close to and valued by others is a fundamental need within all people and a great form of mental health support. Although when feeling down it may seem easier to hide away from others, it is very important to reach out. Arrange to meet up, or if you can’t due to lockdown restrictions in your area, arrange a video call and catch up, connect and chat with your closest. Even a phone call or text message asking how someone is keeps you in touch and helps you feel connected with others.
Get moving
Regular exercise does wonders for body and mind. Whether it be a walk in the park, some YouTube yoga, a jog around the block, or a bike ride in the countryside, get moving and feel those endorphins release. It doesn’t need to be strenuous to do the trick. Anything that raises your heartbeat and makes you break a sweat is good news for your physical and mental health.
Become more mindful
Mindfulness meditation, whereby you take time to be aware of what is happening in the present moment, is proven to help reduce stress and anxiety. Being mindful gives you greater control over your thoughts, feelings and emotions, thereby increasing your self-awareness and enabling you to deal with challenges to your mental health. Even just 10 minutes each day of mindful breathing can help reduce stress and improve emotional wellbeing.
Lend a helping hand
Helping others is great for the community and for wellbeing. It is said that taking part in acts of kindness once a week over a period of six weeks increases happiness. Offer to help an elderly neighbour with groceries or gardening, volunteer at your local care home, raise money for a good cause, take part in a street clean-up… anything that gets you connected and helps make the world a better place is a great form of mental health support!At Amma Life, we want to help all our customers support their mental and physical wellbeing with our range of superior grade CBD products. Try a cup of the most relaxing cup of tea in the world, unwind with a bath followed by massaging your skin with Deluxe CBD cream, or try one of our many different strengths of CBD oil and see which one works best for you.
CBD oil and whole plant hemp extracts are just one element of a balanced lifestyle, alongside a healthy diet, relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga, regular exercise and self-care. We embrace an holistic approach for everyone’s health and that’s why we encourage everyone to join the Amma Life journey towards a healthy, creative and happy life, this World Mental Health Day and beyond.
