Thrive, don't just Survive

We may be a comedy charity but mental health is no joke. We are all aware of the alarming statistics that 1 in 4 people experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Mental Health Awareness Week was established by the ground-breaking organisation Mental Health Foundation based in the UK. This year their theme looks into uncovering the reasons as to why so very few of us are thriving with good mental health.

In light of Mental Health Awareness Week we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you aim towards thriving in life, not just surviving.

1. Find a reason to make you smile each and every day

Did you know it takes more muscles to frown than smile?! Put the Cheshire Cat to shame by showcasing those pearly whites by making sure you’re finding things in life to keep you smiling. Whether that’s a hobby, job or even an ordinary day out, make sure you’re finding what makes you happy in life.

Do what you love, do what makes you feel good and remember enjoying yourself is a great stress reliever. Whether that be heading over to see a friend or getting in your latest Netflix binge of comedy greats.

2. Talk your head off

It may not always be easy to tell others how you are feeling but talking about your feelings contribute to good mental health. By having another listen to problems you may be experiencing or thinking about can help you feel supported and less burdened.

Yes that’s right you chatter boxes, talk to your hearts content. Not really feeling up to talking in person? Send a message, an email, a text or write a letter, there’s so many ways to communicate if you are ever feeling low, don’t be afraid to reach out and have a chat. It may be difficult at first but it is beyond worthwhile.

3. You’ve got a friend in me

Friends, family, colleagues. We’re all human, we all understand that life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns….we’d be worried if it was to be honest!

Friendships and family are so important to us as people. By having close relationships we improve our mental health and wellbeing. Lend an ear, offer a hand or even make a nice cuppa, never forget that there are people here for you, you are not alone and never will be alone.

4. Fill your daily laughter quota SCIENCY STUFF: *LAB COAT ON* Did you know, laughter really is one of the best medicines. Laughter enables you to relax your whole body helping to relieve pain and stress, boosts your immune system fighting off all of those nasty anti-bodies, triggers a release of endorphins into your body (the feel good factor), helps protect your heart and may even help you live longer!

Finding things in the day to make you laugh and smile enable you to boost your emotional and physical health, give it a try!

There’s also rumours of it burning calories and giving you a six pack so we’ve cued the stand up DVD's and laughter yoga sessions for the week to test out the theory, who’s with us?

5. An apple a day keeps the doctor away …..and no that doesn’t class using an Iphone. As much as saladphobes hate to hear it, healthy eating and exercise has an incredible impact on the human body!

A healthy lifestyle of good food and exercise is known to improve cognitive functions reducing symptoms of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.

Who knew! Sad day for cake lovers (us) Who doesn’t love a great big slab of cake ….we’ll just make sure it’s of the carrot variety.

6. You’re amazing, just the way you are.

Yes! Say it! You. Are. Amazing. We find it astounding how unique and inspirational each and every person we meet every day are. We’re all our worst enemies, as humans we are drawn to the negatives in our lives and this negatively impacts our wellbeing. We should be embracing what makes us unique, passionate and inspirational. Everyone is different, the world would be an incredibly boring place if that wasn’t the case.

Focus on what makes you, you. What makes you happy. What you’re good at. What you’re passionate about. What positive changes you can make. Most of all remember, if you are living with a mental illness, it may be a part of your life but that does not in any way define who you are.

7. Have a break, have a Kit-Kat !.... Just make sure you have an apple too ;)

Remember to take a break. It may seem obvious but your mental health can seriously be impacted by stress and worry from everyday life. A change of scenery goes a long way. Whether that’s a walk down the road or just going into another room to gain some headspace.

You know your body better than anyone, tired? Get that head on the pillow. Stressed or agitated indoors, get those walking shoes on and enjoy the incredibly cold British weather. Just make sure you are taking the time you need “Me Time”, even if it does sound like a cheesy TV advert. Going for a run, an adventure or a Netflix binge, all are very welcome.

Our latest Mental Health Feeling Funny course is set to launch at the end of May. Improve your confidence, self-esteem, overall mental health and wellbeing alongside meeting friendly, like-minded people through the use of comedy, humour and laughter by signing up today: www.thecomedytrust.com/feeling-funny