Wellbeing tips
According to the department of health, health is the top thing people say matters to their wellbeing. To try and give you a boost this new year, here are some tips from the mental health charity, Mind:
- Honesty
Try to be honest with people if you’re finding things overwhelming and you’re not feeling up to getting involved in everything. Don’t be afraid to cancel plans if you’re not feeling up to it. Sometimes you need to put yourself first.
- Press pause
Remember you can only do so much, stop if it’s becoming too much and just try to relax and look after yourself.
- Pyjamas!
In between all the social arrangements, make sure you have a day to hang out at home in your pyjamas.
- Get unstuck
A brisk walk outside is a nice way to spend time with loved ones, or a day trip somewhere. Things can get quite intense if you’re stuck in the house all the time, and a bit of exercise helps too.
- Don’t believe the hype
Don't compare yourself to others on social media or on adverts. Remember that everyone is only sharing the good bits and that we don't know what is going on behind the scenes. Don't get sucked into measuring your experience against something that's ultimately fake.
- Talk
If you are feeling overwhelmed or under pressure, talk to someone about it.
- Give yourself a prezzie
Make sure you take some time out to do something you really want to do, no matter how small.
5 steps to mental wellbeing
What is mental wellbeing?
Sarah Stewart-Brown, professor of public health at the University of Warwick and a wellbeing expert, says: "Feeling happy is a part of mental wellbeing. But it’s far from the whole.
"Feelings of contentment, enjoyment, confidence and engagement with the world are all a part of mental wellbeing. Self-esteem and self-confidence are, too.
"So is a feeling that you can do the things you want to do. And so are good relationships, which bring joy to you and those around you.
"Of course, good mental wellbeing does not mean that you never experience feelings or situations that you find difficult,” says Professor Stewart-Brown. "But it does mean that you feel you have the resilience to cope when times are tougher than usual."
It can help to think about "being well" as something you do, rather than something you are. The more you put in, the more you are likely to get out.
"No-one can give wellbeing to you. It's you who has to take action," says Professor Stewart-Brown.
Below are five things that, according to research, can really help to boost our mental wellbeing:
- Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships..
- Be active – you don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.
- Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike?
- Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.
- Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
Sources: www.Mind.org.uk ; www.NHS.uk
