Here’s your self-care lowdown and how to manage mental health in everyday life.
With life constantly moving at a fast pace, it’s easy to forget about the self-care basics and get caught up in the small stuff. As this week is Mental Health Awareness Week, this is your reminder to check back in with yourself, check in with those around you and revisit your self-care routine.
Mental health can be a grey area, where there are lots of unanswered questions and not everything is black or white or has one answer. We get that this can be confusing, so we’ve listed below some key readings about anxiety, stress, confidence, panic attacks, self-care, imposter syndrome, how to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week or ask for help, so you can clue yourself up on this important topic.
Read on below to find out more:
Anxiety:
What it means to belong to ‘the anxious generation’
Millennials have been dubbed ‘the anxious generation’, but how does it play out for sufferers? Emma Gleason shares some stories and solutions.
How do I know if I’m suffering from anxiety?
It feels like anxiety is everywhere but it’s different for everyone.
4 common reasons you’re feeling anxious and how to stall yourself from freaking out
Having a moment? No worries. These simple tricks will help stop your freak-out in its tracks.
Do you suffer from hangxiety?
Are your hangovers accompanied by crippling anxiety? You might be a “hangxiety” sufferer.
What’s the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack?
Your heart is pounding, you’re sweating, you can’t seem to find the right words to say and when you do, they come out jumbled and your voice is shaky – panic attack or anxiety?
The anxiety coping mechanism Kendall Jenner swears by
Kendall has recently painted her room a shade of pink that is scientifically proven to be calming.
Self-care:
7 of the best self-care apps for when life gets a little too much
When life throws you a curveball, these relaxing apps will help you de-stress.
Daily self-care habits to help reduce stress
If life is feeling a little crazy, or there have been big changes happening lately that have given you cause for stress, it’s time to do something about it before it takes its toll.
How to handle stress from women who have been there, done that
Pressure is inescapable, but if it’s killing your will nine to five, it’s time to get a grip. We asked some wise women how they handle it.
13 motivational books and podcasts better than a Netflix binge
More productive than a Netflix binge and better for the soul than a scroll through your Insta feed, pick up one of these illuminating, inspiring and informative reads tonight.
How to set goals for the life you want
Do you want to feel happy, energised and confident enough to start kicking your goals?
3 confidence-boosting tips that instantly work
We all find ourselves in need of a confidence boost from time to time, whether that’s to do with your 9 to 5, your body or a looming exam – you name it!
Social media:
We break down all the ways social media is affecting your mental health
Whether you’re fully aware of the downfalls of social media, or merely curious, there are undeniable aspects that can wreak havoc on our mental health and wellbeing.
9 instant things you can do to have a healthier relationship with your phone
Not many days pass without a new study suggesting a negative impact of our smartphone use.
Managing mental health
What it means to navigate the world of dating with a mental health problem
Dating can be difficult at the best of times but if you have a mental illness it can be particularly tricky – what should you do if people just don’t get it?
How to manage your fear of flying
Whether it hits you as you step onboard or as your flight takes off, plane-related anxiety can overcome you at any time. Manage your symptoms before it becomes a full-blown panic attack with these surprisingly calming hacks.
How to overcome exercise anxiety so you can work out with confidence
Whether you’re surrounded by gym-junkie friends who seem to know what they’re doing or you just find the idea of heading to the gym very intimidating, there’s no denying that exercise can create a rising sense of apprehension, especially if you’re not a regular yourself.
Do you frequently doubt yourself in the workplace? You might have imposter syndrome
A new generation of young women is charging into the workforce — and crushing it. So why do so many feel like they don’t belong? Katie May Ruscoe unmasks the phenomenon of imposter syndrome and how you can overcome it.
3 Kiwi women share their tips for managing anxiety
We asked three open and honest Kiwi women to share the tips they use for managing their own anxiety – from meditation to self-care, exercise and more.
6 foods for boosting your mood and calming anxiety
By incorporating these six mood-boosting foods into your wholefood diet, you’ll be supporting your body and your mind with the nutrients you need to build a solid foundation for mental wellness, says Ben Warren, leading clinical nutritionist.
How else you can get involved:
Auckland:
Mates Matter Burger and Banter: Conversation at Velvet Burger. More info here.
Bay of Plenty:
Yoga session, Whakatane. More info here.
Otago:
One Day Ahead movie screening, Oamaru. More info here.
Manawatu:
Wellbeing exercises daily. More info here.
While these are great places to start, but if you do have any questions below are some of the best people to get in touch with (and of course, your local GP is always there too don’t forget!)
depression.org.nz/
anxiety.org.nz/
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
