This October, for World Mental Health Day, the mental health charity Mind are encouraging people to #DoOneThing for better mental health.

2020 has been a tough year for us all. We are living in one of the strangest times and taking care of our mental health has never been more important.

Mind want everyone to do one thing that brightens up your day and is kind to your mind. We really love this challenge, as it encourages everyone to take a first step towards making a positive change for their mental health.

To give you a bit of inspiration about how you can take part, we’ve created a list of things teachers and pupils can do for better mental health.

Things you can do for better mental health

Write about your gratitude and achievements
Gratitude has been clearly linked with improved well-being and mental health as well as happiness. Start a journal and write down at the end of every day:

• What you achieved that day (e.g. cooking a meal, doing some exercise, something you learnt at school).
• What you are grateful for (e.g. a good book, a nice meal you’ve had, a friend, something interesting you’ve seen in nature or your pet).

Do something nice for someone else
Research shows that being helpful to others has a positive effect on how you feel about yourself. A small act of kindness is a great way to boost your self-esteem.

Tell yourself something positive
How you think about yourself can have a powerful effect on how you feel. Start your day with a positive affirmation; I am smart, I am kind, today will be a good day, I believe in me.

Send a thank you note
Not for a material item, but to let someone know why you appreciate them. Written expressions of gratitude are linked to increased happiness.

Take time to laugh
Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy, read a funny book or check out cute videos online. Laughter helps reduce anxiety.

Get moving
Being active is great for your mental wellbeing, evidence shows exercise can:

• Raise your self-esteem.
• Help you set goals and achieve them.
• Increase brain chemicals associated with feeling happy, feeling confident, feeling capable, feeling less anxiety and stress and even less physical pain.

Click here to find out how we are helping schools support the mental health and wellbeing of their pupils during Covid-19.