How can we improve our mental health?

Just as we all have physical health, we also have mental health. By mental health, we don't mean 'mental ill health'.


Mental health includes our emotional, social and psychological wellbeing. It affects how the act, think and feel, and also helps determine how we handle stress. Every one of us has mental health!


The term mental illness, or mental ill health covers many mental health problems which can involve changes to our thoughts, relationships, emotions and behaviours. Mental illness isn't always curable, but it is treatable.


Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing.

1. Keep Active

Exercise releases certain chemicals in your brain that help make you feel good. Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep better and feel overall much happier. You don't have to join a gym or yoga class to be more active. Simply take a walk, go cycling or play a team game like football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a regular part of your everyday life. Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health. Sit less, and move more!

2. Connect with others

Connect with the people around you. This could include your friends, family and neighbours. Spend quality time developing and extending these relationships. Social connection can reduce depression and anxiety, help us to regulate emotions and even strengthen our immune system.


Some examples of ways to connect include:


  • Joining a new club or trying out a group activity.
  • Contact a friend that you've lost contact with.
  • Volunteer for a cause that you believe in.
  • Ask someone for help when you need it.
  • Do a random act of kindness.


There are many other ways to connect with others. In a world with over 7 billion people, you never have to feel isolated.

3. Be mindful

Be more aware of what's happening in the present moment including your thoughts, your feelings, your body, and the world around you. This is known as mindfulness, and can help to positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. Read more about mindfulness here.

4. Keep learning

Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and new confidence. Learning doesn't always have to revolve around our chosen career. Why not sign up for a cooking course, start learning a new language or musical instrument? There are many ways that we can keep our brain active.

5. Give to others

Giving to others doesn't always mean cash donations! Something as simple as a smile, a thank you, or a kind word can really help make someones day. Larger acts such as volunteering at your local community centre can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new friends and social networks.


Here are some ideas to get you going ....

  • Spend quality time with family and friends
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat well and maintain a healthy diet
  • Get enough quality sleep
  • Read books or listen to audiobooks
  • Listen to music
  • Learn a new skill
  • Start gardening
  • Take up a hobby or join a club
  • Take a holiday or short break
  • Volunteer for the community
  • Practice meditation and mindfulness
  • Visit your GP if you have any physical or mental health concerns
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