Between work, kids, and countless other responsibilities it’s easy to feel overwhelmed - but it’s important to make time and look after your own wellbeing. Even the smallest of changes are effective ways to improve your mental health.
By making some little life adjustments you can reap some massive benefits. And once you notice how much you enjoy these small improvements, you’ll be even more inspired to continue down this road of positive mental change. Keeping that in mind, here are six small changes you can make from home that will make a big impact on your mental health.
Set the mood
When you’re not feeling your usual self, it can be the smallest things that make the biggest difference. In times like these, make the time to mind your mental health. It helps to break out the essential oils. Using essential oils throughout the home can be an instant mood booster. Choose lavender for an immediate calming effect. If you need a little pick-me-up, go for peppermint or citrus. If you don’t have a diffuser, no problem! Dab some oil on your pulse points - your wrist and neck are the best - and breath in the benefits.
Mind your mind
Try to plan time for mindfulness into your busy schedule. It doesn’t need to be for very long; even setting aside five to ten minutes to connect with and listen to your body will have a positive impact. Mindfulness can look different for everyone. For some, it’s simply sitting down and breathing. For others, it’s taking a ten-minute break to stretch and shake loose after a long day at your desk. Taking a little time for yourself helps you decompress from the stress of your day and reconnect with your body.
Create space
Decluttering your space is a small change that many find to have a calming effect. It could mean picking up those annoying bits of laundry that have been sitting in the corner of your room for way too long. Or it could be in the form of taking a good long look at your wardrobe and finally donating those items of clothing you haven’t touched in a decade. However, the clutter presents itself, a good tidying will work wonders on clearing your mind and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel. As the saying goes: tidy room, tidy mind!
Green power
Adopting a plant is an easy way to add a little life to your environment. Beyond aesthetics, houseplants can improve your mental health and help you get out of your own head. A study conducted by the University of Seville last year showed almost three in four respondents felt that plants made a positive impact on their mood. 1If you’re a newbie when it comes to nurturing houseplants, opt for a low maintenance plant like a succulent. If you already have a green thumb, why not create a herb wall in your kitchen?
Consistency is key when hitting the hay
Sleep is a vital tool in your wellbeing toolkit. Without enough sleep, we can feel perpetually groggy and fatigued, directly impacting our ability to concentrate and feel present. According to the Sleep Foundation, one of the most effective ways to achieve consistent sleep is having a healthy sleep routine. This means following the same steps each night before hitting the hay such as dimming the lights, reading or stretching, putting on pyjamas, and brushing your teeth. Over time, these habits become cues that naturally tell your body it’s time for sleep.2
Healthy eating, healthy mind
One of the simplest ways to improve your mental health is to cook more meals for yourself, not only can the process of cooking itself be therapeutic but you also get to enjoy the result! This act of self-care nourishes both your body and mind as well as fostering creativity and focus. To reap extra benefits, try cooking a meal with ingredients that pack a nutritious punch. Omega-3 rich salmon is a great choice for nourishing your brain and herbs have heaps of health benefits too! Overall, you’ll feel more productive and positive - keys to a healthy headspace.
Why not try one of these small positive changes this evening? And let us take care of one of the permanent things on your to-do list - protecting your home. Did you know, with Aviva home insurance you get 20% off, for simply buying online3?
We encourage our customers, where possible, to make use of our online options to access any help you need. If you have a query you can reach us via our contact forms. MyAviva is an online self-service portal available to all our home and car insurance customers.
