Unravelling Mental Health with Oluwatumininu

26/08/2024

22/08/2024

Many individuals lead a sedentary lifestyle, with their main physical activity being the daily commute to work. With businesses shifting to remote and hybrid operations, these individuals have significantly reduced their physical activity levels. This reduction not only impacts their physical health but also their mental well-being. Physical activity is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Physical activity refers to any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure, whereas exercise is a specific form of physical activity that enhances or maintains fitness and overall health.

People exercise for various reasons: weight loss, chronic pain management, muscle building, strength improvement, and endurance enhancement, all of which contribute to better physiological health.

What many may not realise is that exercise can also have a positive impact on mental health.

Studies have shown that physical activity can improve mood, symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep quality, stress levels, and both mental and physical functioning. Some mental health professionals advocate for incorporating exercise into the treatment plans for certain psychological disorders.

One common misconception is that exercising requires going to the gym. While there's nothing wrong with gym memberships, it's not a necessity. There are various ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

SO, HOW CAN WE INCORPORATE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & EXERCISE INTO OUR DAILY LIFE?
1. Reduce:
a. Sitting
b. TV / Computer time

2. Aim for a 20-minute daily walk

3. Engage in household chores

4. Participate in recreational activities such as tennis, swimming, basketball, etc.

5. Practice flexibility activities like yoga and stretching

6. Incorporate cardio activities like dancing, jogging, jump ropes, and bike riding

7. Perform strength activities like push-ups

8. Whenever possible:
a. Take the stairs
b. Park the car further away from your destination

Please, remember to stay hydrated, and maintain a nutritious diet.

21/08/2024

During my university years, I noticed that I would become ill whenever I was physically stressed. However, it didn't end there. I would also become sick when I was mentally stressed. This was my first insight into the link between mental and physiological health.

Despite being aware of this, I felt powerless to do anything. Now, I realise that I just needed the right tools. Stress is an inevitable part of life. It's often beyond our control; it could be due to a project at school, a deadline at work, sitting in traffic for hours, trying to juggle taking care of the kids, etc.

If left unchecked, stress can lead to an array of problems like physical illness, anxiety, depression, burnout, sleep disturbances, and emotional instability.

With the right tools, we can maintain a healthy, and satisfying life despite everyday stressors.

Whatever the source of your stress is, you need to know that you're not completely helpless. While we might not have much control over the stressors, how we handle stress is totally up to us. Often, a change in perspective can make a significant difference.

MANAGING STRESS EFFECTIVELY:
1. Maintain a positive mindset
2. Establish healthy limits
3. Engage in deep breathing exercises
4. Keep a journal
5. Connect with family and friends
6. Pursue enjoyable activities
7. Take regular breaks
8. Ensure adequate rest and sleep
9. Consume nutritious meals
10. Exercise consistently, like taking a 15-minute walk or dancing
11. Enjoy music
12. Tackle large tasks by breaking them into smaller steps
13. Develop a daily self-care routine

It's crucial to remember that self-care is not selfish; it's essential for mental health.

15/08/2024

NEW NAME ALERT!!!

As part of our rebranding process, the name of this page will change from 'Raving Mind' to 'Unravelling Mental Health with Oluwatumininu.'

Thank you all for the love and support!

Love,
Oluwatumininu
(Formerly 'Raving Mind')

15/08/2024

Hi everyone! How have you been?

I know it's been so long since I've been away from here. While I was away, life as usual had thrown some unexpected hurdles my way but I'm grateful to God for His faithfulness. I am so sorry it's taken so long for me to return. I wanted to make sure I come back here a much better person; capable of creating valuable content that would impact you all positively.

I recently founded an initiative; Olutunu Safe Haven. As the name implies, it's a safe haven for people struggling with mental health challenges or life stressors in general. We offer free counselling and support for anyone who needs it. We are here to support you on your journey to wellness.

You will notice some changes on the page. Please do not fret! We must rebrand and do some restructuring in preparation for this new journey.

Thank you for sticking with me so far! I do not take your being here for granted and I hope and pray you will give me your full support as you have always done as we start this new journey.

I am so proud of the community we created here and super excited for the amazing things ahead of us.

Please drop your comments telling me about how you've been and what you have been up to.

With Love,
Oluwatumininu
(Formerly 'Raving Mind')

13/03/2023

WHERE DO I START FROM?!

The last time I posted anything here was 2018.
5 years away from you wonderful people! It was tough but couldn't be avoided.
I have missed you all so dearly!
I've missed sharing my journey with you; struggles, lessons learnt, wins, etc.

In the last 5 years, I've dealt with health challenges, heartbreak, mental health struggles, loss and grief but I've also 'grown,' graduated from uni, started working, healing...
My goodness! I've got a lot to share with you all and I also can't wait to hear from you.

How have you been?
I hope 'life' has been good to you 🙏

Love
BOO ❤