How important is mental health?

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of our well-being, yet it’s often neglected, especially in environments like workplaces and schools. Many of my clients come to me suffering from poor mental health, which affects their confidence, self-esteem, and productivity.

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The impact on workplaces and schools

Stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion can create a cycle of negativity that is hard to break. This doesn’t just impact individuals, but also businesses and educational environments, where performance and engagement drop as a result.

I see this all too often. People struggle to focus, miss deadlines, and experience conflict in the workplace because they feel overwhelmed. For students, poor mental health can lead to a lack of concentration, disengagement, and poor academic performance.

Unfortunately, many people avoid seeking help because they believe private therapy is beyond their financial reach. While I offer private sessions to help individuals reclaim their mental health, I also encourage small steps that anyone can take to begin improving their mental well-being.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve mental health is through physical activity. I often suggest to my clients that even 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a world of difference.

It releases endorphins — the body’s natural feel-good chemicals — and can help reduce stress. But if exercise feels overwhelming, there are other ways to restore mental balance. Just being in nature, sitting by water, or walking in the fresh air can have a calming effect.

I also emphasise the importance of healthy eating and hydration. When we’re feeling low, it’s tempting to reach for junk food, but that can make us feel even worse.

Eating balanced, nourishing meals can lift both your mood and energy levels. Dehydration, too, plays a significant role in mental and physical well-being, often causing headaches, tiredness, and a general sense of lethargy. I always remind my clients to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Another thing I stress to clients is the importance of sleep. A regular sleep routine is crucial for mental health. Many people don’t realise that going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning can significantly improve how they feel.

This can be challenging when stress keeps you awake at night, but I work with clients to develop relaxation techniques, such as meditation or hypnotherapy, to quiet the mind and prepare for a good night’s rest. After hypnotherapy sessions with me, many clients are amazed at how relaxed and refreshed they feel.

Relaxation is key, yet it’s one of the hardest things to achieve when you’re struggling with stress or anxiety. That’s why I often recommend trying yoga, mindfulness, or guided relaxation techniques. Many clients find hypnotherapy to be an excellent way to deeply relax and reset their mental state.

Once they experience how calming and transformative a session can be, they begin to prioritise relaxation in their daily lives, which in turn improves their overall mental health.

It’s also important to set small, achievable goals. This might be as simple as getting up, getting dressed, and having breakfast. For someone in the grips of anxiety or depression, even these basic tasks can feel monumental. However, achieving them builds momentum, and from there, clients can gradually regain control of their days.

I often talk about the power of gratitude with my clients. Practising gratitude — finding even one or two small things to be thankful for each day — can shift your mindset. Gratitude helps refocus the mind on positive things, no matter how challenging life feels. And staying connected with friends, family, or colleagues is essential. When we’re feeling low, the instinct might be to isolate ourselves, but staying in touch with others can offer much-needed support and perspective.

In my view, more needs to be done in workplaces and schools to support mental health. Employers and educational institutions must recognise that mental health is directly tied to productivity and success. Offering support, whether through access to external resources, mental health days, or simply encouraging a culture of open communication, can make a profound difference.

I firmly believe that if companies and schools took mental health as seriously as they do other aspects of performance, we would see a significant reduction in sickness, absenteeism, and disengagement. Ultimately, mental health should be a priority for everyone. Whether through exercise, relaxation, healthy habits, or professional help, taking care of your mind is as essential as taking care of your body.

Many people are surprised at the difference small, manageable changes can make. And remember, support is available — even if private therapy feels out of reach. Services like the Samaritans provide 24/7 emotional support to those in need. Mental health matters — especially in the fast-paced, often stressful environments of work and school. By recognising its importance, we can begin to build healthier, happier lives, both for ourselves and for the people around us.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Hypnotherapy Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 8UA
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Written by Karen Baughan
location_on Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 8UA
My journey reflects resilience and self-belief. Despite setbacks, I pursued my dreams, quieting inner doubts. Introduced to NLP, I found tools to challenge negative beliefs. Training in NLP showcased my commitment to growth. Expanding into hypnothera...
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