Top tips to improve your mental wellbeing
We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it's essential to living happy and healthy lives. Here are 7 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference. Why not start today?
What is good mental health?
Looking after your mental health is not something we should just do if we are struggling, or feeling low, anxious or stressed. It's actually something we should think about all the time and really invest in, just like with our physical health.
Staying on top of our mental wellbeing is good for us now but also helps us deal manage difficult times in the future. Over time, it can also reduce our risk of physical health problems.
There are lots of things we can do to look after our mental health and wellbeing every day – make a start with these 7 top tips.
1. Reframe unhelpful thoughts
The way we think, feel and behave are linked. Sometimes we develop patterns of thoughts or behaviours that are unhelpful so recognising them, and taking steps to think about things differently, can improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Video: How to reframe unhelpful thoughts
Check out our short video to get some practical tips on how you can challenge your thoughts and start to break unhelpful cycles.
2. Be in the present
If we take time to be aware of ourselves and be in the present moment, noticing our own thoughts and feelings, and the world around us, we can gain a better perspective. Sometimes this is known as being more mindful.
Video: Mindful breathing
Mindfulness and meditation help you to be in the present. Try our mindful breathing video. It can help you feel more calm.
3. Get good sleep
Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically, so it's important to get enough.
Video: Tips for sleeping better
Get simple tips for improving how you sleep with our video.
4. Connect with others
Spending quality time with friends or family, talking to someone about how we are feeling or finding ways to help other people can all help stop you from feeling lonely and improve your mental health and wellbeing. This can be online, by phone or seeing someone in person.
Video: Social connection
Social contact is good for your mental health – even if you do not feel like engaging with other people when you are low or anxious. This video shows ways you can build more social connection into your life.
5. Live a healthy life
Being active, enjoying the outdoors and having a healthy, balanced diet all impact how we feel. Also, binning bad habits like smoking, and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine can have a positive effect on our mood.
Video: Healthy living
For tips on how to live healthily, watch our video.
6. Do something for yourself
From enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax, it's important to do things that make you happy.
Video: Plan things to look forward to
Watch Erin make time for herself by planning small things to look forward to, like a relaxing bubble bath once the kids are in bed. Taking even a little time for yourself can ease anxiety, boost your mood, and it doesn't have to cost a thing!
7. Write a letter to future you
When you're feeling good, think about what you would want to tell your future self if things get harder and you find you need more support. Reminding yourself of what's keeping you feeling positive right now can help you through those more difficult times in the future.
Try some of the tips from Your Mind Plan and write down the ones that helped you, include ideas of how to get started and anything else that you have learnt about yourself.
