Tips for Women: How to Improve Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing unprecedented disruptions in our lives, with people across the globe experiencing fear, worry and stress.

“Faced with new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues, it is important that we look after our mental, as well as our physical, health,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO defines mental health as a state of wellbeing in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

Women often face different mental health challenges than men. Women have higher rates of anxiety and depression, which can be related to physical health factors. Changes in hormones can lead to postpartum depression, depression during menopause or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before a woman’s period starts.

Here are some tips that can help women improve their mental health:

  • Exercise regularly. On top of the established health benefits of regular physical activity, the “feel good” endorphins generated by exercise will improve your mood as well.
  • Practice mindfulness, i.e., live in the moment – no sense in living in the past or worrying about the future.
  • Get adequate, good-quality sleep each night.
  • Be grateful for all the blessing in your life.
  • Say nice and positive things about yourself and others.
  • Make new friends and expand your connections.
  • Participate in activities you enjoy, take up a hobby you like.
  • Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine per day. Exposure to sunlight has been shown to boost vitamin D (vital for bone health) and elevate mood.
  • Spend half an hour in nature whenever you can while making sure you adhere to health protocols.
  • Take a short trip, provided non-essential travel is allowed by local authorities and you adhere to health protocols. A change of scenery is a good way to recharge and de-stress.
  • Disconnect and go offline. Step away from your smartphone and laptop. Enjoy the silence, relax, and make real human connections with loved ones.
  • Learn to forgive. Forgiving others or yourself can pave the way to better mental health and satisfaction in life.

Consult your doctor for more information about caring for your mental health.

Shop at Watsons for prescription medications and other essential healthcare needs.

 

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response. Accessed 29 March 2021
https://womenscarefl.com/health-library-item/habits-to-improve-mental-health-for-women/. Accessed 29 March 2021
https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/5-ways-women-can-improve-their-mental-health. Accessed 29 March 2021

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