September can be a tough time for most people. It’s back to reality, most holidays are out, and people are focused on work and school. And after a long day of daily duties, we tend to jump right onto social media which can promote negative experiences for users. Meanwhile, about one in three adolescents in Singapore reported mental health issues post pandemic, according to a study by NUS back in April. So, it’s important to look after your mental health. Hence why we’ve rounded up 10 self-care tips to aid your mental health in Singapore, keep the anxiety and depression at bay, and your mood boosted.
1. Go for a scenic walk
Without a doubt, the pandemic had a major impact on our mental health and daily lives. So as we move past the pandemic, we encourage you to get out in nature and embrace scenic routes around Singapore. Exploring nature can increase pleasant feelings, contributing to a better emotional intelligence, reducing stress and blood pressure, and much more. There’s dozens of hikes like the Coast To Coast Trail and beautiful parks and gardens to explore such as Singapore Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, you could head to the beach for a stroll along the sand. On a stressful day, a walk alone outside can reduce your anxiety and frustrations, and gives you time to clear your mind.
2. Eat healthy
Eating clean offers various benefits. For instance, by eating good mood foods such as fatty fish, berries and vegetables, it will contribute to your overall wellness and you are less likely to have mood fluctuations. Research has even proven that healthy diets can help fight against depression and anxiety. If you don’t feel like cooking though, we’ve discovered a few healthy restaurants you can visit to lift your mood. Try to stay away from junk food and milk chocolate because over time this will make your mood worse!
3. Listen to uplifting music
It has been proven that music impacts your brain chemicals, enhancing intelligence and focus, which is linked to whether you feel relaxed or unhappy. In fact, listening to sad music daily will automatically make you feel worse if you are feeling low already. Therefore, we encourage you to add happy and upbeat songs to your playlist. From blasting the best of Taylor Swift’s tunes around your house to dancing to the best of Coldplay in the park…it will surely reduce your stress, boost your mood, and aid your sleep.
4. Treat yourself
Self-compassion and rewards are an incredible way to increase your mental health. Therefore, if you are feeling low, you should soothe your soul by treating yourself to some online shopping such as purchasing a new book, clothes or whatever you like. Now, we don’t mean a big blow out on your credit card, just a small bit of nurturing every once in a while. If you are after a self-help book, check out fastest bookstore deliveries to Singapore. Otherwise, why not tick off one of the best things to do in Singapore year round?
5. Visit the spa
Another way to work towards your happiness is investing time in pampering yourself. Whether you make a home spa yourself or visit one of the best spas in Singapore, it’s the perfect place to turn off your phone and escape reality. Soak your muscles in hot mud, try out a sound bath, detox with a facial, and plenty more activities to help you restore your mental balance. Studies have proven that steam itself is enough to release toxins, reduce anxiety and brings physical relaxation. So get yourselves to the sauna at the spa!
6. Learn to cook or bake
Another one of the best mental health tips in Singapore is learning something new. This is a recipe for a better mentality because it offers an escape into a focused activity that requires your attention. People with depression or other anxiety disorders can benefit from cooking and baking as it is therapeutic.
7. Try to be positive
If you feel like utter crap while currently reading this, you’ll probably roll your eyes at this one. Because nobody wants to hear ‘’Be Positive’’ when they are going through something since you just can’t see the positives right now. Positive attitudes can be magnetic, and what you think may become your reality, if you really believe it. Remember that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, so try to change your mindset to think more positively in stressful situations. Certainly, this is one of our best mental health tips in Singapore.
8. Workout a couple times a week
Exercise is a very obvious one. If you don’t like the gym, why not find something that you enjoy doing to get your body moving throughout the week. Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle will also help you sleep better which is essential for a better mentality. This could be dancing at home, yoga sessions, walking outside, or anything that will help you clear your brain fog and lift your mood. Because sitting at home on the couch won’t do that for you!
9. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a superpower. Seriously, immerse yourself in a tranquil world of meditation and manifestation, and you’ll find inner peace that will help you get up and complete daily duties that may seem difficult when you are depressed. Add exercise and yoga to this regime to help calm the brain cells, and stop you from acting on your ego impulses. Indeed, all of this contributes to an overall positive wellbeing.
10. Detox from the news
Here at Secret, we pride ourselves in sharing only positive news. Sometimes, negative news consumption can disrupt your mood. Absolutely, you should be aware about what is going on in the world, but there are benefits in disconnecting from negative stories occasionally. Try reading our range of uplifting articles. From travel bucket lists like ig-worthy places in Singapore to cheap holiday destinations near Singapore, the best restaurants to eat at, and plenty more on our homepage.
Please remember you are never alone, if you are feeling low right now, call the 24-hour Samaritans of Singapore hotline on +65 1800 221 4444. Otherwise, visit The Singapore Association For Mental Health website or Health Hub Singapore.