Mind Health & The Basics.

By LIVIN Psychologist Luke Foster.

By Black Sheep Cycling

September 28^th, 2023

A significant aspect that contributes to positive mind health is our consistent engagement in physical practices that enhance our overall sense of well-being.

It's now widely recognised and understood that obtaining deep, sufficient, and regular sleep is a fundamental requirement for maintaining mind health – this is common knowledge.

Incorporating regular physical activity into our routines, such as running, yoga, weight training, swimming, or cycling, is crucial. Choose the activities that work for you and commit to them.

Cultivating meaningful social connections involves fostering positive relationships and minimising interactions with toxic individuals. Spend time with people who make you feel good; avoid those who leave you feeling like shit.

Prioritising a balanced and nutritious diet is key. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of poor-quality, highly processed foods and ensure you don't deprive yourself of nourishing options. Most of us, these days, understand as we put something into our mouth, whether it’s good or bad for us. Be mindful of what’s going into your gob.

Developing a positive relationship with purposeful pursuits like education, work, home life, or hobbies (e.g., cycling, art) contributes significantly.

Exposure to natural sunlight (without your sunnies on and preferably in the morning) also plays a role in enhancing mind health.

He who has a why can bear almost any how

You might be thinking, "Thanks for the reminder, psych (short for psychologist) – eat, sleep, move, connect, avoid negativity. Tell us something new." However, let's step back from the basics and delve into WHY these practices are beneficial.

Imagine a balloon being filled with air (akin to life's complexities – e.g., job stress, family loss, injuries etc.), and as it nears its limit, it's at risk of popping, symbolising mental distress or poor mind health. These strategies create space in the balloon, preventing it from reaching the breaking point. For instance, if you're well-rested, nourished, and active, you're better equipped to handle challenging situations, like receiving distressing news or dealing with a dickhead, with resilience. Neglecting these fundamentals leaves you less prepared to face life's inevitable ‘shit sandwiches’, setting off a harmful cycle. Stress disrupts sleep, exercise, and eating habits.

We can assess our mind health by evaluating how often we engage in these basics - we can take a mind health ‘temperature check’. Consider the percentage of time you’re spending sleeping well, exercising, engaging in positive relationships, eating healthily, doing meaningful work and in the natural environment. Striving for perfection leads to disappointment and perpetuates negativity. Yet, consistently practicing these basics around 80 percent of the time is a commendable achievement. This positions you to tackle life's challenges successfully around 80 percent of the time – akin to university distinctions or high distinction. A distinction or high distinction in life, is not too shabby at all.