One of the most important elements of keeping your mental health in good check is allowing yourself to enjoy some regular downtime. Some ‘Me time’ if you will. The problem is though, that more often than not we’re encouraged to “keep busy” or “stay active” in order to stop our minds from drifting back into that dark, yet comfortable void.

Indeed, I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve been told that I should try and exercise in order to combat my own depression and anxiety.

“You’ll feel a lot better if you lose some weight.” I’m regularly informed.

Here’s the thing though. When I was 4 or 5 stone lighter than what I am now, (Yes, I’ve piled on the pounds somewhat in the past few years.) I still suffered from depression and anxiety in exactly the same way as what I do now. So in my mind, that argument is well and truly null and void.

Don’t get me wrong though. I’m sure focusing on fitness and wellbeing works for some people. But for me personally, I’ve never found it particularly helpful.

Focus on you

What I have always found helpful when it comes to my mental health is concentrating all of my energies into doing things that I actually want to do. Things that I personally enjoy spending my time participating in.

Writing, for example, is something that over the past few years I’ve found incredibly therapeutic. Not only does it allow you to let your creativity flow, but it’s also a great way to empty all of those troublesome thoughts from your overactive mind. Try writing your worries and fears down onto a piece of paper, then – safely and responsibly – burn it, allowing all of your problems to disappear into the flames.

If you want to focus on exploring your thoughts in more depth, why not try writing a blog? There are plenty of resources out there that will allow you to do so for free – such as WordPress and Blogger – and you’ll be surprised at just how many people will be interested in what you have to say. Your words really can resonate with others who are in a similar situation to your own.

If writing isn’t your thing how about expressing your thoughts in a different way?

As easy as falling off a vlog

Vlogging is a great way of sharing your thoughts and opinions with a wider audience. It’s also really easy to do! All you need is your smartphone, a YouTube account and something to say. And if you think that what you have to say won’t be of interest to anybody – you’re wrong. There are YouTubers out there catering for even the most niche of audiences.

Think of your vlogs as therapy sessions if you like. You’re actively extracting those troublesome thoughts and feelings from your mind and putting them out there for whoever wants to listen. It really is rather therapeutic in it’s own way.

Of course, such intense creativity isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

If you’re less into blogging and more into binge-watching then that’s absolutely fine. Whether you prefer to lose yourself in a good book or you’d rather engross yourself in a great game. The important thing is to take time out for yourself, do the things that make you happy and never feel guilty about putting your own mental health and wellbeing first.