Mental Health and wellbeing oral Cancer

Look After Your Mental Health

Mental Wellbeing is a phrase used to describe how we feel, how well we’re coping with daily life or what feels possible at the moment.

It is more important than ever to prioritise taking care of our mental health. This includes patients going through treatment, carers looking after patients and professionals treating patients. There are times in our lives when we all need help.

There are many things we can do to try and take care of our mental wellbeing. Every body and mind are unique so it can take time to figure out exactly what works for you.

Positive Mental Health

Listen to how you feel and take actions step by step when improving your mental wellbeing.

Relax

Try to find time in your day to fit in one activity that helps you to relax. Make sure you take breaks regularly throughout the day, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. Take time each day to do something that you enjoy. Identify things that cause you stress and make it a point to manage your stress. Ensure that you give yourself time away from screens and technology especially in the evenings.

Eat Well

It is important to eat the right food for optimum mental wellness. A balanced diet helps your mood and overall health. If your blood sugar drops you might feel tired, irritable and depressed. Eating regularly and choosing foods that release energy slowly will help to keep your sugar levels steady. Slow-release energy foods include: pasta, rice, oats, wholegrain bread and cereals, nuts and seeds. Try to avoid foods which make your blood sugar rise and fall rapidly, such as sweets, biscuits, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Drugs, smoking and alcohol tend to have a long-term negative effect on you, so it is important to avoid them.

Rehydrate Regularly

Drinking water regularly is a cheap and healthy choice to improve your energy levels.

Keep Fit

Try to introduce exercises into your daily routine, even if it is just something as simple as walking or doing some gentle stretches.

Physical Health Care

Basic hygiene such as ensuring your brush your teeth and shower regularly is important for your physical health.

Importance of Sleep

Try to get enough sleep. Sleep is an essential function that allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Establishing a sleep routine is a good way to ensure that you develop a regular sleeping pattern. Avoid screens before bed as bright lights can affect your sleep, try to read a book instead. Try to wind down before bed, a relaxing activity like having a bath or meditating can improve your quality of sleep. Find a comfortable sleeping environment, with low lighting or cosy bedding can help get to sleep if you are having trouble.

Connect

Connecting with others can help to reduce feelings of loneliness. If you are concerned about your mental wellbeing talk to someone you trust about it. You can also reach out to a peer support for people in a similar situation. Another way to connect with people is to volunteer, this will help you to meet people and give you a sense of purpose.

Be Creative

Find ways to learn and be creative. Being creative can help to distract you from worrying thoughts or feelings, it can also be used as an outlet to help you process these feelings. You could join an art class or even try online learning.

Enjoy Nature

Spending time outdoors can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress. Going for a walk is a simple way to change your surroundings especially if you work in an office environment. If you don’t have access to a private outdoor space, you can always bring nature into your home by looking after indoor plants. Another way to spend time in nature is with animals, visit a nearby park or simply take your neighbour’s dog for a walk.

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