Evidence suggests these steps can improve your mental health and well-being. Trying them could help you feel more positive and get the most out of life.
Connect with other people
In today's busy world, finding the time or energy for close relationships can be difficult.
But finding ways in which you and your friends can connect with one another is vital if we want our mental well-being! Your socia
l network provides a sense of belonging that encourages self-worth and sharing positive experiences with each other when they occur.
The journey towards growth can be difficult, but it's not all alone. You will always have people who care for you no matter what
Do
Take time each day to be with your family. For example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together.
Arrange a day out with friends you've not seen for a while
Try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family.
Have lunch with
a colleague
Visit a friend or family member who needs support or company.
Volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group. Find out how to volunteer on the GOV.UK website
Make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family. Video-chat apps like Skype and FaceTime are helpful, especially if you live far apart.
Don't
Rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It's easy to get into the habit of only ever texting, messaging or emailing people.
Be physically active
The benefits of being active are endless!
Not only can it help you stay fit and healthy, but research shows that physical activity has a chemical effect on your brain to change how you feel.
You'll be happier with yourself if the goal is met or the challenge accomplished. This will make up for any negative self-talk we might tell ourselves when things don't go our way.
Being physically fit isn't just great for improving health—it also enhances mental well beings by boosting confidence levels and helping people set goals they may otherwise never achieve
Do
Find free activities to help you get fit
If you have a disability or long-term health condition, find out about getting active with a disability
Start running wi
th things like couch to 5k podcasts
Find out how to start swimming, cycling or dancing
Find out about getting started with exercise
Don't
don't feel that you have to spend hours in a gym. It's best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life
Learn new skills
Learning is a life-long process. In fact, the more you learn and explore new things in your personal or professional lives can lead to greater mental well being as it will boost confidence levels with yourself.
There are so many ways to learn - from taking up an instrument for leisure to studying at the university level.
The important thing here isn't simply what tool they choose but rather having something worth investing time into. Even if these activities may seem overwhelming now (or ever), just think back over how much has changed since starting this path three years ago?
Do
Try learning to cook something new.
Try taking on a new responsibility at work, such as mentoring a junior staff member or improving your presentation skills
Work on a DIY project, such as fixing a broken bike, garden gate or something more significant. There are many f
ree video tutorials online
Consider signing up for a course at a local college. You could try learning a new language or a practical skill, such as plumbing
Try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog, taking up a new sport or learning to paint
Don't
Don't feel you have t
o learn new qualifications or sit exams if this doesn't interest you. It's best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your life
Give to others
The science is clear - when you give to others, it can help improve your mental well-being.
Whether the act is small or large (or anything in between!), acts of kindness have been shown time and again as an excellent way for people from all walks of life to find meaning through contributing something good towards another person's happiness!.
Some examples of the things you could try include:
saying thank you to someone for something they've done for you
asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and listening to their answer
spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company
offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project
volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Mindfulness is a technique that can help you be more in the moment and enjoy life. You'll feel better about yourself, and your thoughts/feelings will also improve because mindfulness's effect on our body awareness leads to improved mental health overall!
A moment of mindfulness is when w
e eat or engage with our loved ones without thinking about how long it takes us to finish a task at work. These small enterprises have a lot of benefits when done consistently over time (and sometimes in multiple ways).
What do you do to look after your mental health? Share below and help others.