10 May Six expert tips to improve overall wellbeing and reduce anxiety
Mental Health Awareness Week is approaching (15th – 21st May) and 2023’s theme is anxiety. But how can people improve their overall wellbeing and reduce their anxiety during this time?
The Social Hub, have partnered with psychological experts to share their top tips for reducing and managing anxiety. They have also analysed a variety of metrics, including sunshine hours and happiness scores, across 36 European cities to reveal the best cities around the world for boosting mental wellbeing.
Six expert tips to improve overall wellbeing and reduce anxiety
Consultant Clinical Psychologist Dr. Nicky Main and Therapist Kimberly Vered Shashoua, at VeredCounseling have provided their top tips to help reduce anxiety and improve overall well being. They say:
Track your triggers – “Mood tracking and monitoring can help identify specific triggers for stress, and what a good day might look like. This can make it easier to establish ways of working and operating that are less stressful.”
Rationalise – “Ask yourself, ‘will this matter in 10 years?’ This question helps put things in perspective. Getting a lower grade on one assignment isn’t going to matter in the long run.”
Prioritise – “Not everything needs our attention, so consider which tasks you can drop. It’s okay to whittle our to-do list to only urgent things. For example, wear clean laundry while it’s in the basket, it’s okay to not be on top of everything.”
Communicate with others – “Although stigma and shame might lead to some reluctance to talk to others, it’s important to speak up and connect with people, to talk about your problems, or just get some light relief. Try to talk to your employer or university about what ‘good’ looks like for you. Put structures and systems in place that will allow you to be at your best, such as flexible working or making sure you get a regular lunch break.”
Exercise – “Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Whether it’s a morning run, a yoga class, or a team sport, finding an activity that you enjoy and can stick to can have a big impact on your mental health.”
Rest – “Getting enough sleep is crucial for managing stress and maintaining good mental health. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a consistent sleep routine to help your body and mind get into a rhythm.”
