BLUE MONDAY: LIFESTYLE TIPS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

January 15 2021

Monday 18 January marks ‘Blue Monday,’ claimed to be the most depressing day of the year – and with the UK currently in ‘Lockdown 3’, there’s more than one reason why people may be struggling this January.

That’s why Fight For All The Feels – a fundraising campaign in aid of Forward Thinking Birmingham, the city’s innovative youth mental health partnership for 0 to 25-year-olds – has pulled together some top lifestyle tips with the help of the experts from Forward Thinking Birmingham, which people of all ages can apply to everyday life to help boost their mood.

1.Relax and have some you time: It can be difficult to switch off from the day, but by taking the time to relax and get plenty of rest, you will feel more refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your week. Why not try journaling, meditation, having a hot bath or listening to your favourite music?

2.Enjoy good food: Making sure you have a well-rounded, balanced diet is important. Try not to skip meals or over eat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat lots of fruit and veg. By doing this, your body will feel refreshed, energised and able to focus more on tasks.

3.Get moving: Exercise doesn’t have to be an hour-long intense work out where you sweat more then you need to. Going out for a walk or putting on your favourite song and having a dance can do wonders. Get your body moving and your heart pumping to help lift your mood.

4.Be self-aware: It’s important to know your limits. Challenge yourself when you’re having unhelpful thoughts and notice what your triggers are.

5.Stay connected: Dedicate some time each week to connecting with others. Remember you are not alone. Talk to others about how you are feeling. This could be friends, family or dedicated helpline. Give them a call and make sure to ask when you need help.

Youth mental illness is on the rise in Birmingham and across the UK. It’s been well reported that COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, a huge impact on children and young people’s lives, with increased rates of anxiety, depression and more serious conditions rising as a result of the pandemic, subsequent lockdown and the impact on jobs.

Fight For All The Feels is aiming to raise awareness of the youth mental health challenge in Birmingham and with it, help tackle the stigma which still surrounds it. The public can join the fight, by raising vital funds that will go towards improving the lives of children and young people in Birmingham and prevent mental health issues being a barrier to achieving their dreams.

Initially, money raised by the campaign will look to fund a number of young people across the city –all with lived experience of mental health conditions – to become peer support workers, who will be available at every stage of a young person’s mental health journey – whether that is an initial conversation about the struggles they are facing, as part of the care provided through Forward Thinking Birmingham, or as part of their discharge package.

Click here to learn more about the campaign, register their fundraising, or make a donation.

Fight For All The Feels