How to look after your mental health this Mental Health Awareness Week (May 10-16) …
Mental Health UK is running a fantastic ‘5 Ways To Wellbeing’ campaign this week to help people across the country learn how to care for their mental health. The theme is nature, and it’s a great way to make your wellbeing a priority.
What Are The 5 Ways To Wellbeing?
They are five simple pillars to help you focus on your mental health:
- CONNECT
Work on building and nurturing meaningful relationships with friends, family, or colleagues.
- BE ACTIVE
Increase your physical activity to keep anxiety at bay!
- TAKE NOTICE
Be mindful and aware of the world around you.
- KEEP LEARNING
Challenging ourselves can improve confidence.
- GIVE
Giving back to the community or giving our time to help others can be so rewarding.
Building these pillars into your life can make you feel more positive, focused and less anxious. So why not give them a try today? We’ll have lots of activity ideas and nature-themed suggestions for each of the 5 Ways To Wellbeing over the coming week but let’s kick things off with CONNECT…
TASKS TO TRY:
- PLANT THE SEED OF CONVERSATION
Volunteer with your local gardening group or offer to help out with a community garden. It’s a great way to get hands-on with nature and to meet new people. Fresh air and practical tasks like digging and planting are good for the body and soul. Plus, you might meet and make a really good friend!
- COUNTRYSIDE CHAT
Ask a friend to join you on a long walk. It’s good to talk and to feel understood, especially if you’re feeling down or particularly anxious. Friends can help to reassure and comfort us in difficult times. Your friend may also be having a few problems with their mental health so you can offer a supportive ear in return.
- SAY IT WITH FLOWERS
Surprise a friend or family member with a bunch of flowers. It always feels nice to put a smile on someone’s face – and it’s a good opener if you feel like you need to talk.
- TIDY & TALK
Sign up for a litter pick to do something good for the environment. It’s a good opportunity to meet and chat with new people, plus you’re doing your bit for Mother Nature. Being outdoors and active will help to blow away some of those anxieties, too.
- BEACH MATES
Spend a day at the beach with your friends. There’s something about the coastal breeze and the feel of the sand beneath your feet to lift your spirits and dissolve pent-up tensions.
- ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE!
Invite your friends to help you complete a walking challenge! You can simply set a step target or check out The Conqueror for a fun variety of virtual challenges, including walking the width of the English Channel or the height of Mount Everest! You’ll even receive a cool medal on completion. You can do this individually or work towards the goal as a group – it’s a great way to connect and have fun!
To get more advice and ideas from Mental Health UK, click here to sign up for daily content direct to your inbox!
