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Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip: World Mental Health Day

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Sunday 10th of October 2021 is World Mental Health Day. It is an international day for global mental health education and awareness. Every week, one in six adults experiences a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression. By keeping the body healthy we can also improve the mind, so here are a few tips to get you started.

Meditation

Try setting aside two minutes per day over this week to give meditating a go. Simply find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position with good posture, concentrate on your breathing and pay attention to your wandering mind.

Stay Hydrated

If you are not adequately hydrated, you may find it difficult to think clearly and concentrate. Try to drink six to eight glasses/cups of fluid each day. Water is a cheap and healthy option. Tea, coffee and juices all count, but these may be high in sugar or caffeine.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Alcohol acts as a depressant and can have a negative impact on your mental health as well increasing your risk of heart disease. Try cutting down on alcohol by swapping to drinks with a lower alcohol content or having a soft drink between alcoholic drinks.

Good Diet and Exercise Routine

Eating a healthy diet can have a positive impact on your mood. Changing dietary habits can be difficult, but small changes can make a big difference. Try to plan healthy meals in advance and make sure you include five portions of fruit and veg every day. Being physical activity can reduce stress. Try to establish a realistic physical activity routine that fits in with your commitments

Heart Research UK
Proud to stand out from the crowd, Heart Research UK is the charity dedicated to your heart. They inspire and invest in pioneering medical research, ground-breaking training and education, and in communities to improve their heart health for themselves. For over 50 years they have driven advancements in the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease to benefit patients as soon as possible.

For more healthy tips, recipes and advice, visit heartresearch.org.uk