Be Kind to Your Mind: Little Ways to Look After Yourself This World Mental Health Day

Sometimes the hardest thing to say out loud is "I'm not okay."

This Friday, 10 October, is World Mental Health Day. It's a day to stop and check in. With ourselves, and with the people around us.

I used to think looking after my mental health meant doing something big. A whole new routine. A weekend away. Some huge change. And sometimes those things do help.

But most days, it's the little things that keep me going. So here are mine.

1. Get some fresh air

Jasper doesn't care if I've had a bad day. He still wants his walk. And honestly? That's probably the best thing about having him.

Even ten minutes outside can change how you feel. You don't need a dog to do it. Just a coat and a reason to step out the door.

2. Write it down

When my head feels too full, I write. Not anything clever. Just what's going on, what's bothering me, and one thing I'm grateful for.

It's amazing how much smaller things look once they're on paper. If you'd like a bit of structure, my Self Care & Happiness Journal is in the shop. I made it for days exactly like this.

3. Talk to someone

There's a reason people say a problem shared is a problem halved. A friend, a family member, a colleague you trust. You don't have to have the right words. "I'm having a rubbish week" is enough to start.

And if someone comes to you, just listen. You don't have to fix it.

4. Put your phone down

I know. I'm saying this on a blog you're probably reading on your phone. But scrolling when you're already feeling low rarely helps. Everyone else's highlights start to look like your normal.

Try leaving it in another room for an hour in the evening. See how you feel.

5. Look after the basics

Sleep. A glass of water. A proper meal instead of whatever's in the biscuit tin. It sounds too simple to matter, but when the basics slip, everything else feels harder.

6. Do one thing that makes you smile

You knew this one was coming on a blog called Smilers. Your favourite song in the car. An old film. Baking something. A long bath. Pick one thing a day that's just for you, and don't feel guilty about it.

7. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others

We'd never speak to a friend the way we sometimes speak to ourselves. Next time that little voice tells you you're not doing enough, ask yourself what you'd say to someone you love. Then say it to you.

When it's more than a bad day

Little things help, but they're not always enough. And that's okay. If you've been feeling low for a while, please speak to your GP. If you need someone to talk to right now, Samaritans are there day or night on 116 123. It's free to call.

Asking for help isn't weak. It's one of the bravest things you can do.

To finish

Looking after your mind doesn't have to be complicated. It's a walk. A cup of tea with a friend. Writing it down. Going to bed a bit earlier.

Small things, done often, add up.

This Friday, maybe send a message to someone you haven't heard from in a while. Just to say hello. You never know how much it might mean.

What's the little thing that helps you on a hard day? Let me know in the comments. 💛