H.A.L.T. for #worldmentalhealthday

Today is World Mental Health Day and this year’s theme is supporting good mental health in the workplace. It’s something that I have been banging on about for years (years!) so I’m delighted to add a few of my well-trodden ideas to the mix.

Focusing on your mental health makes sense – and, for me, the focus needs to be on the health side of things, rather than illness. We can do so many things to improve our mental health, we just have to remember to do them – so I’ve come up with a way to help. If you or someone you know at work is feeling out-of-sorts or a bit low, go through the H.A.L.T. process.

1.      H is for hungry. Are you hungry? Would a decent meal or a snack help you feel better? Low blood sugar or a lack of certain nutrients can have a profound effect on your mood. Eat something nutritious, wait 20 minutes, then assess yourself again. Ensure you eat regularly.

2.      A is for angry. Are you angry about something? Anger can be frustrating, debilitating and interfering. Get to the bottom of why you are angry and work with that. The effect on your mental health can be very freeing. Seek help from a professional if you’re not sure how.

3.      L is for lonely. Do you crave human contact? Would talking to someone or just having some company help you? Seek out a friend, relative, or even a pet and share space together. Humans are social creatures and often need people around them to feel better.

4.      T is for tired. Are you simply tired? Have you had enough sleep and rest time? If not, this could be why you’re feeling low, or as if the world is coming to an end. Improve your sleep hygiene and see how you feel in a couple of weeks.

None of this is complicated – we just tend to make it so. That being said, if you need some professional help, please make sure you get it.

Happy World Mental Health Day to you!