In this episode of the Wellness Code Podcast, Hanaa Idris and I talk about easy ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Our discussion covers strategies that you can use immediately to help support your mental health and deal with acute stress in the middle of your day.

Ways to Look After Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

Practice Micro Mindfulness. A short mindfulness practice that we embed into our everyday living may help reduce stress throughout the day—incorporating present moment awareness into daily activities such as walking, washing dishes, eating. A simple way to practice micro mindfulness is to notice your breath and bring your thoughts to the present moment. You can do this anytime or when you are transitioning between activities.

Notice When You Grind Your Gears. Practice, such as mindfulness that helps manage stress reactions, is particularly important when you are irritable, upset, or when small things trigger you. When we engage in a mindful state of being, it helps process stress.

Create Relaxation Rituals. Relaxation activities are activities that help restore and nourish you while allowing for the nervous system to rest. That means placing boundaries around digital use so that it does not interfere with your physical and mental rest.

Cultivate Positive Emotions. Positive emotions such as gratitude, loving-kindness towards self and others, and self-compassion cultivate a way of being that supports your emotional well-being.

Practice Healthy Behaviours. Exercise and movement are two great ways to reduce stress, increase energy and support your mental health, and so is maintaining good sleep hygiene. Having a regular wake up time will help regulate your circadian rhythm. Eating well also helps your mood.

Mentioned in the Episode

App: Smiling Mind 

App: Insight Timer

Guest Info

Hanaa Idris recently graduated from the University of Western Australia. She is a registered psychologist working with children and adolescents.