There is a known link between stress and mental illness. It can aggravate an episode or even cause symptoms to return.

A healthy lifestyle and coping strategies can aid in stress management. But where do you begin?

The following suggestions can be implemented immediately or as part of an ongoing plan.

The best way to get started is to do something you enjoy or that gives you a sense of purpose every day.

KEEP IN TOUCH

Connecting with others is an important part of maintaining good mental health. However, when we are dealing with mental health issues, we may not want to interact with others. This isolation can lead to delayed support, longer treatment, and a more difficult recovery.

Even if you don’t always feel like it, try to:

• Surround yourself with positive influences and people.
• Maintain contact with family and friends (face to face or by phone is best)
• Go out even if you don’t feel like it, and keep it as short or as low-key as you like.
• Try some friendly banter with the shopkeepers (or even just a smile)
• Tell someone, whether it’s a friend, family member, medical professional, or member of your spiritual group, how you’re feeling.

TECHNIQUES FOR RELAXATION

When our minds become tense, our bodies follow suit. Try these techniques for releasing physical tension:

• Mindfulness or meditation – Watch a YouTube video or read our mindfulness app review.
• Yoga, Tai Chi, and other alternative therapies
• Deep breathing entails lying in a comfortable position and inhaling deeply. Slowly exhale, making your out-breath longer than your in-breath.
• Muscles are gradually relaxed.

START A PASSION

Hobbies are a great way to unwind and disconnect. Try cycling, swimming, or joining a sporting club. Start gardening. Participate in a choir. Alternatively, express your creative side through photography, painting, or other arts and crafts.

To find groups in your area, contact your neighbourhood house, community centre, or citizen’s advice bureau.

LEARN HOW TO SOOTHE YOURSELF

In times of distress, self-soothing is the act of comforting, distracting, or being kind to oneself. It is an important skill for emotional well-being, but not everyone is born with it.

Self-soothing techniques vary. Some people use physical activities to promote positive behaviour, while others prefer nonphysical activities such as practising acceptance and positive thinking.

Find something from our list, rediscover something you used to like, or discover something new that works for you. This may include:

Physical exercises

• Visit a self-help website or participate in a SANE Forums discussion.
• Play with your pet
• Wrap a blanket around yourself (try weighted blankets)
• Allow yourself to cry or sleep.
• Hands should be massaged
• Take a hot bath or shower.
• Do some gardening, DIY, or housework.
• Use your senses: look at soothing things, listen to soothing music, smell your favourite perfumes, feel pleasing textures, and savour each mouthful of your favourite food.
• Read a book or magazine, or do a jigsaw, Sudoku, or crossword puzzle.
• On the internet, you can learn something new.
• Examine the images
• Watch your favourite films or television shows.
• Make a list of positive things – List the things in your life that you value, no matter how insignificant.
• Family, friends, or pets, spiritual beliefs, everyday pleasures, or favourite memories are all examples.
• Keep the list with you and refer to it when you’re feeling down.
• Write down your goals – You may have always wanted to travel to a specific location, read a specific book, own a pet, relocate, begin a hobby, volunteer, return to school, or start a family.
• Call a friend, pay someone a visit, or plan a regular night out with a partner or family member (a weekly or monthly event).

Nonphysical pursuits

• Maintain a positive attitude – This helps us maintain hope in the face of life’s challenges and reminds us that recovery is possible, sustainable, and worthwhile.
• Don’t dwell on the past or be concerned about the future. Live in the present moment and focus on the good that is happening right now.
• Make room for events by practising acceptance. Allow yourself to be angry, upset, or disappointed by an experience or the people involved. Learn from it so that you can be better prepared in the future.
• Pay for a stranger’s coffee, tip a waiter, compliment someone, give up your train seat — do something nice for the world today.