#Celebratingsmallsuccesses
Mental health first aid, and ‘let’s talk’ campaigns, are just a few examples of a new movement surrounding mental health which aims to eradicate the shroud of stigma. This means that many more people, not just within the work place, but also society as a whole, may now feel more able to, not only voice their own realities surrounding the spectrum of their mental health, but additionally, they may feel at less risk of judgement, and instead feel that they may more effectively, receive the support they require.
Additionally, according to statistics for a campaign to be delivered by Public Health England: “The five-year plan for improving mental health services was launched last year and includes an additional £1billion of investment in mental health services by 2020-21. We need to see this plan delivered, with funding reaching the front line, so that people with mental health problems get the help they need, when they need it.”
Good mental health, follows taking good care of the physical self, to the point that it resounds harmoniously within our minds, and removes the niggling voice of expectation – between who we are and what we have achieved for the day – compared to what we tell ourselves, we are not.
Fighting daily battles against internal conflict from depression or anxiety; but also, external factors such as financial worries, and the barrage of social media, all attribute to the impact upon an individuals’ feelings of acceptance and self-worth, which can have a huge impact on mental health. Especially if these platforms or situations are making us persistently perceive ourselves, in a light less favourable than others.
Whilst traditionally, it was thought that consistency and routine could be the key to managing, and sometimes improving strategies for better mental health, some newer contributions propose that celebrating our successes, and positive emotional reinforcement could instead prove to be more effective.
Suggesting that celebration is the best way to use emotions and create a positive feeling; it is thought that, this positive emotion, not only works to boost our ability to manage mental health, but that it can also be instrumental in affirming ourselves new habits, which could maybe even shape thought patterns.
Whilst routine and habits, play a big part; it is not simply a quick fix. Contrary to how the saying goes, it should never be ‘forced’. It is important to understand that routine needs to be flexible. Moods and mental health are transient. Is it not a case of finding a set system of activities which are one size fits all. Once you establish a routine, that is not to say it is something rigid, to stick to.
On the contrary, if we really want to make lasting changes in our lives, it would probably be more realistic, when broken down into easily identifiable and achievable behaviours.
From setting an alarm each morning, with a phone, or radio, to wake up each day at a planned time, to scheduling a walk each day, running a specific errand, or committing to an exercise plan. Even to a wind-down evening routine, of a cup of tea whilst reading a book, or self-care in the form of taking time to remove your make up and brush your teeth before bed, make all the difference.
It is recognising what works, for different individuals, on different days, depending on their mood, and feelings of what they can achieve, one day at a time. Making a list of tasks, monitoring how you feel at certain times of day, within different environments, and having a safe space, or person, to be able to contact, can all be useful coping mechanisms. Feeling present in the moment and acknowledging yourself for achieving something planned; all contribute to mindfulness, self-acceptance, and overall self-care.
While the national conversation around mental health is much more open than ever before, and the current initiatives now help to emphasise the importance of understanding mental health; there is still a lot more work to be done.
Some companies are beginning to accept mental health and mindfulness, painting workers in a more human shade. Recognising their needs both benefit from a psychological and physical aspect, such as flexible work hours, implementing mental health days, and offering staff training on mental health first aid courses.
Most importantly, self-care and routine will mean different things to different people. It is finding the balance that’s right for you, which is important.
Day by day, celebrating our small successes, can further strengthen our minds.
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