Mental Health Self-Care Tips

By FXU President, Community and Welfare – Catherine Thornhill

Acceptance

• The first step in looking after your self is accepting that you need to.

• If you suffer from a mental health problem understanding that problem will be the first step to managing it!

Practical Tips

• Keep hydrated: – Dehydration can create feelings and symptoms

akin to panic. – This means lots of water, herbal tea and soups are

hugely positive for your mental health. Try to stay away from Caffeine, Alcohol and Sugary Drinks as these have the opposite effect

Practical Tips

• Exercise– Any type of exercise can help your mental health– It releases endorphins and dopamine and all the

other good chemicals– It also connects your mind to your body better– Competitive team sports can help to create a

community feeling and the rush you get from winning/the companionship of losing.

Practical Tips

• Early Night– Especially if you have trouble sleeping.– Sleep allows our bodies to relax and our minds to

subconsciously work through many of the issues we face in the daytime.

– Lack of sleep can cause confusion and disorientation which can exacerbate mental health problems.

Practical Tips

• Blood Sugar:– Having a sugar rush and the ensuing drop can also

create feelings akin to panic.– Try to stay away from huge amounts of sugar,

sweeteners and junk food.

Practical Tips

• Massages:– Our bodies respond really well to physical contact,

putting our minds at ease and relaxing us. – Even if the person giving you a massage is

absolutely awful at it, it will still have a positive influence on your mental health.

Practical Tips

• Puzzles– Doing puzzles like sudoku’s or actual puzzles can

have a hugely positive effect on your mental health.

– The actual puzzle will take your mind off the rest of the world and the act of finishing the puzzle will release endorphins.

– Take time out of a stressful day to do a crossword or something similar to boost your mind.

Individual Responses

• Mental Health is an inherently personal topic and although tips such as exercise, sleep and staying hydrated can help most people more specific tips will come individually.

• If you are looking for your own way through mental health get in touch with the wellbeing team in student support services.

• Any other tips to share?

Thank you for coming