As well as your physical health, it's important to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing highlights 5 actions you should take to help improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Connect
Connecting with others can help us to feel close to people and valued for who we are. You can connect with people in different ways; whether this be in a quieter situation with one other person or meeting in larger groups - it's important to do what you are most comfortable with.
You could:
Set a time to eat dinner with your family
Arrange to meet a friend/s
Join a new social group e.g. a local coffee morning
Be active
Being active is good for both your physical health and fitness and your mental wellbeing. Being active helps to raise your self-esteem and causes chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood.
You don't need to spend hours in the gym, you could:
Take the stairs rather than the lift
Go for a walk at lunchtime
Try a home workout
Learn
Learning is something we always do, often without realising. Feeling like you're learning and developing can boost your self-esteem. Setting goals can help you to feel more productive and in control of your life.
You could:
Read the news or a new book
Try a new recipe
Try a new hobby
Give
Some studies have shown that people who help others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. When we talk about giving, this can be anything to be kind and helpful to someone.
You could:
Make a friend or colleague a cuppa
Volunteer (if time allows)
Offer to help someone who is in need
Take notice
Taking notice can help you to be aware of how you're feeling. It can help you understand what triggers you to feel a certain way. Try taking some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you.
You could:
Visit a new place for lunch and appreciate your new surroundings
Have a 'clear the clutter' day
Try mindfulness
To find out more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing, check out: 5 steps to mental wellbeing - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
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