The Mindful Path: Velvet columnist Melanie Davies talks nurturing wellbeing

With mental health in the spotlight this month, clinical hypnotherapist and stress-management coach Melanie Davies explores how we can protect our wellbeing in a busy world

October sees World Mental Health Day and it feels more important than ever. Mental health challenges are rising worldwide, driven by financial pressures, workplace demands, social media, and weakened community networks.

The pace of modern life is fast: ironically, technologies meant to save time often push us to do more, leaving little space for rest. The result can be chronic stress, burnout, and declining wellbeing.

The good news: poor mental health is not inevitable. No matter how fast life feels, you can regain control to protect your mind and build resilience. Just as physical health needs nourishment and exercise, your mental wellbeing thrives with consistent care and positive habits.

Nourish Your Mind Positively

A powerful first step is to pay attention to what you allow in. Our brains are wired to scan for threats - an ancient survival mechanism that once kept us safe from predators. Today, that same system is triggered by emails, deadlines, social media, and the constant stream of negative news.

Curating your digital diet is vital. Set boundaries around time when you manage emails. Limit doomscrolling and choose uplifting, informative, or calming content. Train your mind to notice the positives. Research shows gratitude journals can help; the more you look for things to feel grateful for, the more naturally you begin to see them.

If gratitude feels difficult at first, try my Rainbow Challenge. Pick one colour of the rainbow for each day of the week and actively notice everything you see in that colour. This simple practice helps shift your perception, diverting attention away from negativity, giving you back control over your attention.

Learn, Grow, and Strengthen Resilience

Another way to boost mental health is by learning a new skill or revisiting an old one. Stepping outside your comfort zone builds resilience and flexibility - qualities strongly linked with better coping skills and emotional wellbeing.

You might pick up a musical instrument, learn to knit, or try a new language. Whatever you choose, expect mistakes and embrace patience. Even if it feels awkward at first, every attempt strengthens your inner resources. The process itself, not just the outcome, is what nurtures confidence and calm when life throws challenges your way.

Pause, Restore, and Connect

Equally important is time to rest and recover. In a culture that prizes productivity, it’s easy to forget that downtime is not wasted but essential. Pausing through mindfulness, time in nature, or simply doing nothing helps regulate stress and restore balance. Your mind needs time to recover to grow resilient and flexible. Practices like meditation or hypnotherapy can provide deep rest, helping you reset and respond more calmly to pressure.

Connection is another vital resource. Taking part in collective activities, whether a community choir, fitness group, or evening class, not only lifts the mood but builds supportive relationships. These shared experiences allow you to give encouragement as well as receive it, creating a stronger sense of belonging and purpose.

Building Everyday Resilience

Protecting your mental health isn’t about a single big change but small, regular habits. Choosing positive input, practising gratitude, reconnecting with creativity, and allowing yourself rest and to connect with others all contribute to greater resilience from stress.

This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to reflect on how you care for your mind. Are you feeding it with balance, compassion, and positivity? Or is it running on a constant diet of pressure and noise?

Your mind deserves the same care as your body. By building consistent simple habits you can nurture your health and happiness for the long term.

If you’d like regular inspiration to support your mental wellbeing, you can sign up for my Midweek Mindful Moments newsletter at melaniedaviesmindsolutions.com

Melanie Davies is a clinical hypnotherapist and sleep and stress consultant. She offers individual support and workplace wellbeing services in person and online across Suffolk, Huntingdon and Cambridge.