With the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, it’s easy for our mental health to go unnoticed, which can lead to problems down the line. Luckily, as simple as brushing your teeth, there are steps you can take to keep your mind healthy

So, how can we protect our mental health?
1. Speak to someone you trust
If you’re having a low mental health day, it might feel easier to bottle up your emotions. But, talking to someone you trust can help you change the way you’re feeling. Not only can it help you to get things off your chest, but you might also build a better connection with that person so that you can build a support network together. Having somebody you can turn to, whether that’s a partner, friend, or colleague, who will listen to your concerns is a great step towards healing.
2. Spend more time in nature
Even if it's just for a moment to pause and reflect, spending time outdoors can be a calming experience. You might decide to go on a walk, or sit on a bench and take in the sights, smells, and sounds around you. Being in nature, however you chose to do it, gives us a sense of grounding and inner peace.
You can read about other natural ways to boost your mental health here.
3. Get a good night’s sleep
For those that suffer from sleeping problems like insomnia, this is easier said than done. Adults need a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night, and if we’re lacking this, we feel it.
If you’re struggling to sleep, try switching up your nighttime routine. Start ‘winding down’ about an hour before you want to go to bed - you could have a relaxing bath or do some light reading. It’s also a good idea to avoid distractions like TVs or phones right before bed, as well as caffeine, as these can hinder your ability to fall and stay asleep.
4. Eat healthy food
We might seek a temporary ‘high’ from sugary foods and drink, but this is often followed by a crash - leaving you feeling more tired than before. In order to maintain energy, alertness and fuel your brain, a balanced diet is essential.
Food and our feelings can often get caught up in one another. Sometimes we might over-eat when we feel stressed for comfort, or under-eat if we are upset. Eating a balanced diet doesn’t have to be boring. You could cook and eat with friends or family, sparking the conversation around mental health and making healthy eating an enjoyable experience.
If you're worried about the cost of living, read our guide on how to eat healthily for less.
5. Understand your feelings
How we feel can sometimes be overwhelming - whether that’s a state of happiness or sadness. If we don’t try to understand our feelings, these emotions can be heightened and impact our daily activities, such as sleeping, working, or relaxing.
It might feel difficult to pay attention to the way we are feeling but, wi