The 10 October is World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is ‘Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change’.
We are fortunate to live at a time when mental health, or rather mental illness, is no longer a stigma, and people are sharing their stories and normalising mental health problems. If our mental health is suffering then it is important that we acknowledge this and seek help from a medical professional; ignoring our feelings is not the answer. There is help available.
Hygiene de vie
Like our physical health, we can do many things to protect our mental wellbeing. We all know the importance of a balanced diet and good sleep, but what else can we do daily to protect our minds?
In French, a healthy lifestyle is ‘hygiene de vie’. I think that aptly expresses the idea of routinely living in a healthy way better than ‘healthy lifestyle’, which can sound more aspirational or even luxurious. How ‘hygienic’ is our daily life? What choices are we making on a daily basis to mind our minds?
Free Your Mind
Perhaps we could choose to introduce more simplicity into our lives? Too much choice can be overwhelming. Maybe we can free up some mental space and quiet the noise by reducing the choices. Can we get help with certain tasks? Do we even need to do said task? Remember that we are all individuals and we don’t have to do everything the same way.
Be Yourself
Comparison is the thief of joy. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves, especially in the age of social media, that our lives do not suck compared to everybody else’s! Accepting that life is an ever-changing journey, with detours, roadblocks, and the rest, can bring us a great sense of calm and help us build resilience.
Human Nature
The proliferation of tech and automated services may save us time, but what about the conversations we miss, or the random humour or compliments that can make our day? While we may love our own company, and it’s healthy to do so, we are social animals and still need human interaction.
You’ve Got a Friend
Are we in a relationship with Netflix rather than actual humans? Do we spend time with people who uplift us? How you feel after spending time with someone is a good way to gauge if they are healthy company. And don’t we always feel better after a good chat with a friend?!
Give a little bit
Do we have healthy boundaries? Shifting the focus from ourselves to others can help both parties; it feels good to help, but if it drains us, it can affect our health. Protect your peace.
Take it Easy
If you’re feeling overwrought, it can be helpful to rest. A quick nap can calm the mind and improve the rest of your day. Or try some yin yoga — the postures will ease tension in your body and help restore the nervous system.
Change The Record!
Getting out in the fresh air, visiting a new place, enjoying a film, book, or a new form of movement can be helpful. Hobbies that require concentration can make us forget our problems for a while, which may give us a better sense of perspective afterward. Dancing can be wonderful; using our co-ordination to move in new ways is great for our brains.
Movin’ on up!
Moving your body has instant positive effects on the mind. Shake, tap, jump, run, dance. Do whatever is accessible to you, preferably with some upbeat music, to give yourself an immediate boost.
Every Breath you Take
Using the breath in different ways is one of the most powerful ways to affect our nervous system. Pranayama, coming from Sanskrit (prana meaning breath or life force), shifts the body from a stressed state into a relaxed, parasympathetic state.
It’s my party…
When did you last laugh? The power of a good laugh cannot be underestimated in shifting our mood. Speak to yourself with kindness. Remind yourself that all things pass in time. Remind yourself that it’s normal to feel angry, sad, or fed up some of the time. As the saying goes ‘If you didn't laugh you’d cry’ but why not try a bit of both? Feel everything!
‘World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to meaningfully engage with people with lived experience (PWLE) of mental health conditions and to recognise their knowledge as a vital form of expertise. This year’s campaign calls for their voices to shape the policies, services and decisions that affect their lives.’ World Health Organisation.
To read more about World mental health day, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-mental-health-day/2026.
Ps. Notice anything about the titles? Yes, they're all song titles :)