The Best Mental Health Advice That Changed My Life.

In this post, I have compiled some of the best advice from my research into psychology and mental health.

They have really helped me when I felt my mood getting low.

You are not broken and do not need fixing.

It's normal for your mood to fluctuate - and feel better on some days.

Have a toolkit of strategies in place such as meditation and movement to manage your mood on days when you need it most.

Most people are not thinking about you.

You might worry about what people think about you or feel people are judging you. 

But those people are usually in their own heads thinking about themselves and not you. 

It’s called the Spotlight effect. (Gilovich et al, 2000, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology)

How you feel about yourself is much more important.

Act with curiosity not judgement. 

When things aren't going your way, reframe your response through a lens of curiosity. 

Step back and ask what can I learn from this? 

What is it trying to teach me?

And am I willing to listen?

You can sit with uncomfortable feelings.

Often, you might try to get rid of uncomfortable feelings like anxiety. 

But this only makes it worse. 

Tell yourself that you can sit with uncomfortable feelings and sensations. 

They will come and go quickly just like any other.

Talking about problems isn't always the answer.

Talk therapy can be powerful but so much of our response to what's happening occurs in your nervous system in your body. 

Learning to regulate your nervous system through mind-body practices means you can react and respond to daily challenges without being stuck in fight or flight mode.

Keep your perspective.

When you are in the middle of a difficult period, it can be helpful to think back to times in your life when you have overcome challenges.

What strategies helped you then? 

Who did you lean on for support?

Change can help you grow and evolve. 

You are stronger than you realize.

What is the best mental health advice you have received?

If it's of value, you can find more science-backed strategies for managing your mental health www.sophiescott.com.au and https://lnkd.in/gJxNX4a