8 mental health resources that we love and recommend
Living in the city can be stressful—between long workplace hours, long commutes and isolating schedules, it can be hard to take care of your mental health alongside everything else that you do.
Thankfully, there are resources of all forms available to help you work towards improving your mental health. Check out a few of them in the list below:
Between unreliable public transportation and hectic schedules, it’s hard to find time during the weekday to unwind with friends. The Dragon Café in the City is working to change this dynamic, offering de-stressing activities, massages and yoga each fortnight at the Shoe Lane Library.
From noon to 7:30 pm, the Café offers all its services for free with no stipulations—anyone can turn up for as long as they’d like to relax, socialise and practice mindfulness.
Instagram Positivity
Sometimes, little changes can make a big difference. If you’re a social media fiend, try to follow individuals who promote positivity. Try @AvaMarieDoodles and @AdamJK , both of whom produce artwork with a focus on positive mental health on Instagram.
Sometimes, though, you’re not up for socialising—and that’s okay. Mind, the mental health charity, have a great deal of resources on their YouTube channel about relaxation tips, understanding mental health and even step-by-step videos for mindful crafts. The organisation also runs a hotline during the week for anyone who needs advice, crisis intervention, or just to talk about what’s stressing you out.
Also on YouTube are a plethora of videos showcasing mindfulness techniques, at-home fitness plans and deep breathing methods. The channel “Yoga with Adriene” has yoga plans tailored for specific mental health topics, such as social anxiety, PTSD and stress that can be done either at home or on a lunch break.
The Little Book of Mindfulness
Working in a shared office? Pick up a copy of The Little Book of Mindfulness to work to create your lunch break into a tranquil space. Create a habit of taking 5-10 minutes to centre yourself, read through a few of the book’s affirming mantras, and journal your feelings.
Commuting is inherently stressful, but Headspace is an app that can transform that time into a few moments of self-care. If you have a commute longer than 10 minutes, pop on some headphones, close your eyes and let the app coach you through a moment of meditation.
The app prompts you to breathe deeply and clear your mind, so you only have to focus on yourself in the moment. If you deal with work stress or an anxiety disorder, this is an app you need to have on your phone.
The Power Hour
While you’re on your phone, head over to Spotify or iTunes to download the newest episode of “The Power Hour” podcast, featuring men’s mental health documentarian Stephen Manderson and wellness-focused cook Melissa Hemsley. The hour-long special explores routines that you can do to make your working day less stressful, as well as methods to increase wellness and productivity.
If you need to talk with someone, give one of these hotlines a ring—that’s why they’re there, and they’re completely anonymous:
Anxiety UK (for those with a diagnosed anxiety condition): 03444 775 774, Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Samaritans (for anyone experiencing distress or despair): 116 123, available 24/7
SANEline (for anyone struggling with their mental health):0300 304 7000, available every day from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm
The Mix’s Crisis Text Line (for anyone under 25): Text THEMIX to 85258, available 24/7
