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Tips to Help Your Poor Brain

Whether you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, or are just bogged down with life, here are 5 simple things to do day-to-day that’ll help you short-term.

By Matilda StreetPublished 7 years ago 3 min read
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All tried n’ tested on my brain. ♥

Avoid caffeine.

Although post-panic attack you may be craving a big cup o’ joe, caffeine can actually heighten nervousness and moodiness, ultimately leaving you feeling even more down in the dumps. Maybe try caffeine-free coffees and teas, and if this seems as completely and utterly pointless to you like it does me, then cosy up to a peppermint tea, hot milk with cinnamon, or hot chocolate in bed instead.

If you're worried about feeling tired however, doing things such as taking Ginkgo Biloba capsules (an herb that has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries), drinking ice cold water, and stretching can really help gain that focus back.

Take a breather.

In nearly every situation, you are completely entitled to walk out of the room, step outside, or even stand in the work toilets for a while in order to calm yourself down. Sometimes walking out of a situation for 5 minutes helps you realise that, although you may feel it, you are not trapped in a place or setting.

If you have longer than 5 minutes, go outside, leave your phone in your back pocket, take in and enjoy your surroundings. Unsurprisingly, research has found that taking a stroll boosts cheerfulness, vigour, attentiveness and self-confidence, as opposed to sitting down.

Wear jumpers.

I know this sounds silly, but invest in some comfy clothes. Go sale raiding in H&M, Mango, and Zara, and buy yourself some smart (but more importantly cosy) long sleeved jumpers that you can wear to work on a dull Monday morning. A jumper that you can pull the sleeves down over your hands, when you're in dire need of some comforting (or a blanket), but that you also feel completely and utterly flawless in.

As quoted from Vogue;

"Your closet isn’t frivolous, it contains a myriad of channels to heightened performance, a selection of gateways to the best versions of yourself." (Bernard, 2012)

Watch your favourite film.

A great way to distract your mind from life’s stresses is by watching a favourite film of yours; a film that you have watched so many hundreds of times, it has become a huge home comfort to you. These, for me, are usually feel good films such as musicals, romance, or Disney. If you’re at work, then try and listen to the soundtrack during your commute and lunch break instead.

This can help you gain familiarity and comfort in perhaps less comforting situations. Reminding your brain of the mood you're in whilst watching Jungle Book (for example!) is a good temporary way to snap out of negative thoughts and feelings.

Now is not the time for a diet.

Especially if your self-perception is low at the moment, you may be particularly keen to start the latest fad diet. Please don't.

Blood sugar fluctuations can be an important factor in mental health. An easy way to keep your blood sugar levels where they need to be, is by eating carbohydrates. Treat yourself to a nice Pret wrap or Itsu rice bowl for lunch. You really will notice the difference in your mental health by just eating properly.

Also, if a girl needs chocolate, she needs chocolate. Not only will chocolate help because it tastes so damn good, but there are compounds inside dark chocolate that improve mood. Some notable dark chocolate bars include; Green and Black’s, Montezuma’s, and Lindt. So, next time someone’s giving you grief about eating chocolate, you can tell them it’s for your health.

Get well soon!

The writer is not a mental-health specialist or doctor. If you are in need of help regarding your mental health, please visit your GP.
For more information on mental health visit this site.
selfcare
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About the Creator

Matilda Street

Just a 20something year old trying to work out how to adult.

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