How to look after your mental health and wellbeing
The good news is that simple practices can make a big difference to our overall mental health and wellbeing. Each person will have different things that work for them, but below are some key things we can all do to maintain good mental health and wellbeing:
- Prioritise sleep – aim for 7-8 hours of quality rest nightly.
- Connect with others – strong social bonds are vital for emotional support.
- Increase your physical activity – being active releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters. Even going for a short walk can boost your wellbeing.
- Mindfulness practices like meditation can help manage stress and encourage inner peace.
By prioritising mental wellbeing, we can develop greater resilience that allows us to navigate life's challenges and flourish. So, take a deep breath, and invest in your mental wellbeing – it's the foundation for a thriving life.
Remember, mental health challenges are common – one in four adults experience a mental illness each year. Reaching out for support and/or seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Numerous resources are available, from online platforms to therapists
5 ways to wellbeing
Evidence suggests there are 5 ways to wellbeing that people can adopt to improve their wellbeing, feel more positive and get the most out of life. They are:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Take notice
To find out more about the 5 ways to wellbeing, you can read this leaflet that has some simple and effective ideas to help you increase your personal wellbeing.
There’s also more information on the Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council websites.
Advice and support
The Coventry and Warwickshire Wellbeing for Life website is a great place to find a range of information about proactive self care for your mental health. This includes local and national resources that will help support you to stay happy and healthy.
You can also look at our Boost Your Health Esteem page for advice on how to support family and friends to tackle feelings of loneliness and help them keep physically and mentally active.