This year’s World Mental Health Day marks over 18 months since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The World Health Organisation (WHO) campaign this year aims to take advantage of the renewed energy among government leaders to make quality mental health care for all a reality. While professional services are continually improving, there are a number of things you can do to look after your own mental health.

Mental Health Advanced Nurse Practitioner Kerry Gowan, from St Marks and Trinity Medical Centre, has put together some of her top tips:

1. Diet – making sure you have a healthy, balanced diet can help improve your mental health.
2. Exercise – exercise releases feel-good endorphins that can boost your mental health. It doesn’t have to be an intense workout, even a gentle walk in the fresh air can have a positive impact.
3. Alcohol – alcohol can negatively affect how you process your feelings. Swapping to an alcohol-free alternative can positively influence how you feel, and it’s often cheaper too!
4. Meditation – meditating is a great way to keep your mind healthy. There are lots of free mobile apps available to download which are full of meditation and mindfulness tips.
5. Talk – regularly talking to friends and family about how you are feeling can really help your mental health stay healthy.

Further information about mental health, how you can look after yourself and where to get professional help can be found on the The Mental Health Foundation website.