Self-Care – Mental Health – 5 Ways to Wellbeing
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps we can all take to improve our mental health, enabling people to feel happier, more positive and to get the most from life.
What is wellbeing?
Wellbeing is when you feel good and enjoy day to day life. The things that we do and the way we think affects our wellbeing. Each of the 5 ways to wellbeing can make a positive different to the way we feel. Being aware of and combining these will make a difference.
Connect
Feeling connected to other people is important. It can help you to feel valued and confident about yourself and can give you a different perspective on things.
There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.
Social relationships are critical for wellbeing and as a buffer against mental ill health. With the current rules around social distancing, we’re having to come up with creative ways to stay connected. Why not pick up the phone and talk – put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is and share how you’re feeling.
How you can connect with others:
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/volunteering
www.time4leicestershire.org.uk/
www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/getinvolved/
Be active
Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.
Regular exercise doesn’t have to be very strenuous or sporty to be effective – to start with you could try some gentle indoor exercise or yoga, gardening or going for a walk for your ‘once a day’ outdoor activity.
How you can be active:
www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/free-fitness-ideas/
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/get-active/get-active
Take notice
Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.
Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities. Take a moment to look outside and appreciate what’s around you and take notice of how you’re feeling.
How you can take notice:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mindfulness/
Keep learning
Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that the opportunity to engage in work or educational activities particularly helps to lift older people out of depression.
Learning something new can lift your mood and setting goals is linked to better wellbeing. Why not sign up for an online course in your spare time – there are lots of free options available. Alternatively, pick up a book, join a virtual book club or research something you’ve always wondered about.
How you can keep learning:
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/skills-for-jobs/adult-learning-courses-golearn
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/volunteering
www.time4leicestershire.org.uk/
www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/getinvolved/
Give
Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research.
Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.
The current coronavirus outbreak is bringing with it many opportunities to give and help others – like keeping an eye on your elderly neighbours or donating to a foodbank.
How you can give:
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/volunteering
www.time4leicestershire.org.uk/
www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/getinvolved/
Other useful links:
www.healthforteens.co.uk/leicestershire/
www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing
For support with a mental health condition:
www.leicestershire.gov.uk/mental-health-support
www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/
Follow our social media campaign on twitter @LeicsHWB #selfcareforlife #leics
Our top tips
Follow our social media campaign on twitter #selfcareforlife #leicestershire
How are you taking care of your mental health? Get expert advice, practical tips and a personalised action plan NHS Choices
Get active in your community with LEICESTER-SHIRE & RUTLAND SPORT
Further advice on local mental health information, advice and support, visit mental health information advice and support
