Get Your Mental Right!

5 steps to mental wellbeing

What is mental wellbeing and why is it so important?

Mental wellbeing can be defined in many ways. We may use it to express how we feel, how we're coping with daily life or what seems possible in the moment. Our mental well-being is so important because it is a key contributor to our overall health. It helps us be more emotionally and mentally resilient and allows us to flourish in various aspects of our lives, even through challenging times.

There are 5 main steps which you can take to improve your mental wellbeing and as a result, make the most out of life.

Let's look at each in detail...

• Look after your physical health


Physical activity can have many benefits for your mental health.
By setting goals and acheiving them, your mood can be positively affected because of the brain's chemical changes in response.
Physical activity can also promote better sleep as it makes you more tired towards the end of the day.
Participating in physical activity can even help us manage stress as it releases cortisol, an important hormone in the stress response.

Examples of physical activity you can try:

• Aerobic exercises such as walking, running, swimming or cycling


• Strength and flexibility exercises such as lifting weights, climbing stairs, yoga



Looking after your physical health is not only about physical activity. It is also important to consider what you are putting into your body.

• Think about your diet


• Drink water reguarly


• Try to avoid drugs and alcohol



• Spend time in nature



Spending time in nature outdoors can help improve your mood, make you feel more relaxed and reduce feelings of stress and anger.
Lots of people find that spending times with animals is calming too.

Examples of practical ways to spend time in nature:

• Going on a walk outdoors


• Getting plants to decorate your home


• Pet-sitting, dog walking or visiting a local farm


• Do something you enjoy



Try to make time to do an activity you like on a regular basis.
This could be something small, like cooking a meal, reading a book, watching a film or listening to music. And incase you don't know what you enjoy...




• Learn something new



... find it!
Learning new skills can be great for your mental health as it can be boost your self-confidence, raise your self-esteem, and it can provide you with an opportunity to connect with others.
There are countless new skills which you could try.
Some examples are:



• Learing how to play an instrument


• Learning a new language


• Learning how to rollerskate



• Connect with others



As a social species, humans thrive of relationships. Good relationships can improve our mental wellbeing by reducing feelings of loneliness and giving us a greater sense of belonging. Emotional support provided by others can also help us in challenging times, and allow us to support others.

There are many things that you could try to help develop closer and more meaningful relationships.


• Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling


• Arrange a day out with friends you have not seen for a while


• Volunteer
  
  
  • Spending your free time helping others can be very rewarding, helps you to meet new people and can incresase your confidence. The Volunteer by Do It website is a great place to start.

If you feel like you don't have anyone to talk to, don't worry! There are many helplines with trained people who are ready to listen without judgement. Check out the mental health charity, Mind's website to see which helpline is best suited to you.




Remember that we all have bad mental health days.
You are not alone!

Need a kind word?


Coded by Abigail Amoateng