Healthy habits for better wellbeing in 2024

A new year is often seen as a chance to refocus on the things we want to work on, improve, and achieve.?

As the national authority on mental health first aid, this year we are continuing to work towards a society where mental health is treated equally to physical health.?

To help you prioritise your mental health in 2024, read on for seven habits that you can adopt to help maintain positive mental wellbeing.?

1. Don’t feel guilty prioritising self-care?

It’s important to take the time to recognise what your body needs. By then acting on this, you will find yourself being more productive, resilient, and better equipped to support others.?

Explore our self-care resources

2. Prioritise quality sleep?

Sleep is the foundation of good physical, mental, and emotional health, but more than one in five Brits admit to struggling with poor sleep (1).?

A lack of sleep not only affects our productivity and energy levels, but also impacts our mental health significantly.?

To ensure a better night’s sleep, make sure to:?

• Stick to a sleep schedule; establishing a regular routine regulates your body's internal clock?
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine with calming activities such as reading or meditation to prepare your mind for sleep?
• Limit your screen time; at least an hour before bedtime as the blue light can interfere with sleep quality?

3. Incorporate physical activity into your routine?

Our mental health and physical health are intrinsically linked. Exercising releases endorphins and can enhance your mood.?

Taking your activity outdoors has many additional benefits, including a natural boost of Vitamin D, reduced stress, and opportunities for social interaction.?

While we’re still in the winter months, being outside in natural light can also be helpful if you experience seasonal affective disorder (2).

4. Take short breaks between meetings and tasks?

Research from Microsoft revealed that taking short breaks between back-to-back meetings is a simple way to prevent stress from building up throughout your workday (3).?

Allowing five minutes to make a drink, get a change of scenery, or even meditate, allows our brain to reset and improves our ability to focus and engage. Microsoft Outlook offers a fantastic tool which allows you to do this by setting meetings to be 25 minutes long instead of half an hour, or 50 minutes instead of an hour.?

5. If you work remotely, establish boundaries between your work and living space?

When you work from home, there is often a grey area between where your work ends and personal life begins.?

By identifying a separate space for working, or even just having a place to put your laptop away, you will find it easier to switch off at the end of the day. By doing this, you will be able to maintain a good life-work balance.?

Find more tips for remote working here

6. Take your annual leave with purpose?

50% of UK working adults do not take their full entitlement of annual leave and 48% of us have checked our inboxes while on holiday (4).?

Only by fully focusing on your holiday and switching off will you be able to return to work feeling energised, refreshed, and focused.?

Before you go away, schedule an hour or two when you return to catch-up. Then, turn off your notifications, sit back, and relax!?

7. Acknowledge how you feel?

An important step to improving your mental health is to understand your feelings and learn which wellbeing strategies work for you.?

Start by writing down how you’re feeling in a journal, talk to someone you trust, or seek professional help if needed.?

Working together in 2024?

At MHFA England?, we have now returned from our Winter Wellbeing break. We are feeling well rested and recharged and are looking forward to working with you this year to improve the mental health of the nation.?

We believe self-care is a fundamental pillar of wellbeing, which is why we ensure it is a major focus in our training and consultancy.?

Get in touch with our workplace mental health experts today at [email protected] to discuss your organisation’s requirements. ?

Sources:?

1. The Sleep Charity survey with Censuswide, 2023 ?

2. Mind, Nature and mental health, 2021 ?

3. Microsoft, Research Proves Your Brain Needs Breaks, 2021 ?

4. British Airways survey with YouGov Plc., 2023 ?