This week is Mental Health Awareness Week.

From the 15th-21st of May 2023 charities, organisations, and individuals across the UK will come together to support Mental Health Awareness Week.

Everyone experiences mental health differently but not everyone talks about it, is listened to, or is represented. We all need support on our mental health journey and this year's theme is 'Anxiety'. Anxiety is affecting more and more people in the UK and hugely impacts people's everyday lives. 

Here at Sandra Reynolds Agency, we have put together our advice for looking after our mental health, not just this week but all the time...

Talk.

Simply talking to people you know can really support your mental health. Take time to ask your friends, family and colleagues how they are and really listen to their answers to support their mental health too.

Be kind. 

Take the time to think before you speak and generate positive conversation. Avoid any language that speaks derogatively about mental health, this may make the person you are speaking to not want to open up about their feelings. 

Educate yourself and others where you can about mental illness.

Being able to share your knowledge and support people by knowing the signs and symptoms is vital to ending the stigma of mental illness. 

Don't underestimate the relationship between physical and mental health.

Prioritise self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and engaging in regular exercise. Taking care of your physical health can have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Explore relaxation techniques such as listening to calming music, taking warm baths, practicing yoga, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Find activities that help you unwind and incorporate them into your routine. You could even try techniques like Progressive Muscle Relaxation, which involves tensing and releasing different muscle groups to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Start with your toes and gradually work your way up to your head, focusing on one muscle group at a time.

Limit social media time, and ensure you only follow users that make you happy.

Social media platforms are a great way of interacting with people you follow, getting outfit and holiday inspiration, and sharing your recent work (especially in this industry) but it can take a toll on everyone's mental health. Try to limit time spent on social media, make sure you disconnect the filter from reality and if an account is affecting you negatively, it takes just one click to unfollow. 

Social media can be a brilliant way of promoting causes, why not get involved yourself? The Mental Health Foundation is encouraging people to get involved on social media by letting others know how they cope with feelings of anxiety. Add the hashtags #ToHelpMyAnxiety and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek and tag @mentalhealth on Twitter and @mentalhealthfoundation on Instagram and Facebook.

Practice self-compassion.

Be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. Remember that it's normal to feel anxious at times, and you're not alone in your struggles. Treat yourself with understanding, patience, and self-care. Engaging in mindfulness practices and meditation can help you stay present in the moment and reduce anxiety. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditation exercises that you can follow.

Take care of yourselves and speak to others! Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 here.