3 Tips for a Healthy Headspace

We all have the things we like to do during our valuable down time. Most of the time this involves us lying on the couch, watching series or taking naps. Whilst there is a time and a place for this, there is a definite benefit to actually doing things.

‘Doing things’ doesn’t mean you always have to be busy, but setting yourself small, achievable tasks or planning fun outings where you are keeping active or engaging your brain can create a healthier headspace than staring mindlessly at a screen.

Here are 3 useful tips to assist you with developing a healthier and more positive headspace. A happy headspace is a successful and restful headspace!

1. Pay attention to the basics

Getting enough sleep and eating good food might sound like common sense, but its incredible how many people take these two absolute basics for granted. Stress and anxiety can cause sleepless nights and being constantly busy and on the move can see the majority of people reaching for the take-aways just to get some form of sustenance. We undervalue a good night’s rest and then wonder why our productivity suffers the next day.

Make a conscious effort to identify WHY you are not sleeping or why you make bad nutrition choices. Once you are aware of why it is happening, you can take the steps to amend your ways. It will be tough, but it will be worth it. Being able to cope on only 5 hours of sleep is not something to brag about, it's damaging to your body and will eventually take its toll on your mental health as well.

Invest in your body like you invest in your business. Schedule time to make tasty, nutritious food that you can enjoy and that will boost your body, not burden it. Figure out a sleep schedule that will ensure you get a solid night’s rest and wake up feeling refreshed. It might take some time to get into the swing of things, but keep pushing through it and you will soon see results.

2. Identify HEALTHY coping mechanisms

We all have those ‘crutches’ we turn to when times are tough and more often than not, these things damage our bodies as well as our minds.

Avoid overdoing the drinks or popping those sleeping pills. Whilst these things might provide relief for a moment, that moment is fleeting and you’re likely to feel worse when the effects wear off. Swap the gin for a brisk walk around the block, or start to journal. Express yourself and what you’re feeling through a creative activity. Listen to your favourite music before trying to sleep to relax you, or lose yourself in a book.

Habits are not easy to break, but it takes one small step to developing a new, healthier habit that your body and brain will thank you for later.

3. Reach out and make solid connections

It is important to remember that you are not alone. Mental health issues have increased exponentially over the last 24 months, but people are also much more open to discussing them. It’s no longer taboo to not be ok, so reach out to those around you and do not be afraid to speak your mind.

Surround yourself with people who build you up and support you. Whether this support system consists of friends, family or complete strangers is irrelevant, as long as you know you have someone in your corner to help you on your dark days, your headspace will improve.

Getting involved in your community can also strengthen your mental health and give you a sense of purpose and involvement. Find a group that shares your interests. Join a sports club, volunteer your time to do some charity work. Time is a valuable commodity, but if you set aside some hours to do activities that build you up and make you feel good, you will see this positive mental attitude flow over into other aspects of your life.

We live in highly stressful times, where being overworked is glamourised and we all worry constantly about not appearing busy. This is not a healthy space to live in as it upsets the balance of what is necessary and what is needed to keep your mental health intact. Try to use the times when you are feeling at ease with things to ponder on the things that you genuinely get joy from, to organize your schedule and set achievable tasks that will improve your way of life.

When you become a member of the Body20 family, you get access to our Wellness Coaching programme, which offers you a support system as well as tips on how to live your best life. Find out more here.