Mental Health & Wellbeing
As part of looking after our mental health there are some things, we can do to safeguard our mental wellbeing. We all know how to keep our physical wellbeing in shape and we can see the results of going to the gym and eating healthy but when it comes to our mental wellbeing the results are not always so obvious and we don’t like talking about mental health so peoples perceptions can vary.
I have been reading up on the latest research from NEF and they have stated that the following 5 ways are the best ways in which we can look after ourselves and keep our mental wellbeing in good shape. Surprisingly it is easy and are things we can all do with a little thought and sometimes planning.
See what you think:
CONNECT
With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and
neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of
these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them.
Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
BE ACTIVE
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance.
Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical
activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
TAKE NOTICE
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the
changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work,
eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and
what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you
appreciate what matters to you.
KEEP LEARNING
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course.
Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an
instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy
achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as
being fun.
GIVE
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile.
Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in.
Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be
incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
So there it is, if 5 looks to daunting take it one at a time, small changes can have a really big impact.