“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” – Glenn Close.
For many years, mental health has been overlooked in comparison to physical health and wellbeing. According to South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) statistics, one in six individuals suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-use problems leading to difficulties with mental health. Over the last few years, the topic of mental health has now been brought to light and taken seriously. With additional knowledge being shared and spread to educate individuals, there are now various methods and advice that are focused on mental health. Your retirement not only requires you to stay active and engaged with life, but it also needs you to take care of your mind. We have put together a few tips on how to improve and maintain mental wellbeing.
Spend time with loved ones
A simple and quick way to improve your mood is to spend time around loved ones. Whether its time with your grandkids or old friends, gather around to share memories and discuss happy times or plan fun activities to do together. With the challenges of COVID-19, use technology to break the boundaries and keep in contact with the people you love. Spending time as a family or in a group of friends is known to reduce signs of depression, help create strong emotional bonds and support systems for times you require companionship.
Get outdoors
Get outside into the sunlight, amongst nature and enjoy its wonderful benefits. Being outdoors is known to reduce feelings of anger, fear and blood pressure while increasing positive emotions. Being exposed to sunlight assists in your intake of Vitamin D which is essential in boosting your immune system, reducing depression and creating resistance against certain disease.
Ask for help
In the event you do not feel yourself and find a vast change in your moods, it is always beneficial to seek help. Asking a professional like your GP or seeking assistance from a trusted friend, companion or caregiver can enable you to change the way you feel. According to the National Library of Medicine, putting your feelings into words can help manage negative emotions and help you process them effectively.
These simple tips will help lift your spirits and maintain your feelings by helping assist in keeping your moods in check. There are many other ways to improve your mental health like simply listening to music, taking a walk and even decluttering or cleaning your space. We hope you find a healthy balance between your mental and physical health as you enjoy the adventures retirement brings.
