Taking care of your mental health

Hobbies and activities build self-confidence

OCTOBER is Mental Health Month and an ideal time to take a look at how to take care of your mind as well as your body. Dylan Oktober from Cape Mental Health shares some expert tips.

Do you know that mental health is as important as physical health? Your brain is like your engine or control room; if the engine doesn’t work properly, your body won’t function the way it should.

You may already know how to look after your physical health, such as eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, doing regular exercise and brushing your teeth. But how can you take care of your mental health?

Here are four things to try: Be active: Take a walk, cycle, play a game like soccer or fly a kite. Being active can be fun and great for your mental health. Find an activity that you really enjoy and make this part of your life.

Be kind to others: Even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you or a kind word to a friend or family member. Be kind to others and, most importantly, be happy to be you! Offer to help with chores around the house and in the garden without being asked. You can also help in your community, e.g. picking up litter with a group of friends.

Keep learning: Read a book, do creative things like making or decorating a kite. Ask your family to teach you things like baking goodies or crafts. Join a new class or club. Hobbies and learning new skills can build self-confidence and feel good.

Take notice: Find spaces that are “friendly” to your mental health – at home, school or in the community. Stay away from people or places that make you feel uncomfortable, unhappy or angry. Rather than thinking about what happened in the past, enjoy the present moment and take notice of the beautiful things around you. Be thankful. You may be surprised at how much better you feel.

● The Cape Town International Kite Festival, hosted by Cape Mental Health, takes place on October 2627 in Muizenberg. For more information visit www. capementalhealth.co.za