for your mind
Every year in England, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health issue. With increased pressures around the cost of living and the post-Christmas blues, it’s really important for us all to spend a bit more time focussing on our mental health and wellbeing at this time of year.
The dark mornings and cold weather can make us all feel a bit down and unmotivated – so we’ve pulled together some top resources and tips to help with improving your wellbeing, and a few key organisations who you can reach out to if you’re struggling with your mental health.
Have you heard of the 5 ways to wellbeing?
These are 5 acts which have been thoroughly researched by New Economics Foundation and are reported to improve wellbeing and mental health in various ways. Watch our video and take a look at our top tips below to see how you could include them in your daily life!
Having connections is a fundamental human need. Exploring and strengthening these connections, whether with family, friends or co-workers, can do wonders for our wellbeing.
This month, why not try giving someone a call instead of a text message, planning a walk with a friend or making a connection with someone new?
Regular exercise is known to help improve our mental, as well as physical, health.
It doesn't need to be high intensity to be beneficial. Anything that moves your body and releases endorphins (the "happy hormone") can make a difference.
Why not try walking to work or just parking further away than usual? Use your lunchbreak to get outside for a walk in the fresh air or try a free Yoga class on YouTube to unwind at the end of the day.
We often hear the phrase "being present", and this simply means taking a few moments to properly notice your surroundings and who you're with.
We often speed through life without having time to slow down, so this is a great time to remind ourselves to savour the moment.
Next time you're walking a familiar route, make a conscious effort to really look around you. If you're having a conversation with a friend try to give them you're full attention and appreciate their company. Eat a meal with the TV off to really enjoy your food!
Learning new skills or doing new things give us a sense of adventure and increased self-esteem.
It can also give us the chance to meet new people, achieve new things and live a more active life.
It doesn't need to be costly or time-consuming. You could simply pick up a new book from the library or try a crossword or sudoku puzzle. There are thousands of tutorial videos on YouTube to help you learn new skills for free, such as knitting, dance and crafts.
Taking part in community activities and charitable programmes is thought to lead to greater levels of happiness.
This doesn't necessarily mean donating money, but getting involved and interacting with others. Why not try volunteering at a local homeless shelter, joining the community litter pick or donating your unwanted clothes to a charity shop?
Small acts of kindness, like buying someone a coffee or giving up your seat on the bus for an elderly passenger, can really help your mental wellbeing.
Help for your mental health
We've pulled together some key organisations who can help you with your mental health, whether you just want someone to talk to or some advice. The NHS also provides mental health services and signposts to all the support available.
