• Question: What’s the best way to make yourself feel better mentally?

    Asked by FrankieM on 21 Jun 2023.
    • Photo: Steph Acaster

      Steph Acaster answered on 21 Jun 2023:

      Different people will find different ways to answer this question for themselves. There’s lots of factors that could be involved.

      One theory that seems relevant is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It starts with basic ‘physiological’ needs – physical things like drinking water, eating nutritious food and sleeping regularly. Then once those are taken care of, the theory suggest we start ‘looking for’ something else…safety and security (e.g. feeling good about your environment), then belongingness (finding people who ‘get you’) and esteem needs (finding things that make you feel like you’re good at them, playing to your strengths).

      The ultimate psychologist-as-scientist answer is: Observation (and analysis/application). Observing what works and doesn’t work, what makes you feel better or worse mentally, and then using the data to make your next choice about what to do or what to avoid.

    • Photo: Chloe Tasker

      Chloe Tasker answered on 23 Jun 2023:

      If you think you need professional help, please tell somebody, a teacher, a family member, etc. For daily life, I really find that being in nature helps me. I try to get enough time outside each day, and visit a local lake when I can. I hope you are doing okay! <3

    • Photo: Helen Dudfield

      Helen Dudfield answered on 23 Jun 2023:

      Be kind to yourself and do ask for help, there are so many support groups available online or face to face. It’s also good to use mindfulness and other relaxation techniques too if stressed. Finally remember mental health is partly biology and brain so do seek medical help if needed. Hoping that helps but remember it’s good to talk.

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