Take a look at the 5 Ways to Wellbeing:
Connect with other people – good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.
- arrange a day out with friends you have 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
Be physically active – being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness.
- 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
- find out how to start swimming, cycling or dancing
- find out about getting started with exercise
Learn new skills – research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing
- try learning to cook something new. Find out about healthy eating and cooking tips
- 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 bigger. There are lots of free video tutorials online
- try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog, taking up a new sport or learning to paint
Give to others – research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing
- saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you
- asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer
- spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company
- volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home
Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness) – paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing.
This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.
For further advice and support or information on mental health services visit the NHS website or speak to your GP about access to NHS services.
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) – helpline
CWP has launched a mental health helpline for residents of Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Wirral.
The phone line is open 24/7 to people of all ages – including children and young people and is now the first port of call for mental health help, operated by people in the local area who will know how best to provide support.
The number is 0300 303 3972 and should be used instead of NHS 111 for any mental health crisis. Find out more on their website.
NHS
You’ll find lots of support to improve low mood and reduce stress, tips to eat healthily and exercise more. Here are just a few useful links:
Mental wellbeing while staying at home
Samaritans
You’ll find lots of practical ways to cope and how to look after your mental health, as well as the free Calm app. Here are just a few useful links:
Try to take care of your mental health video
Useful links
Services for adults in Wirral visit Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Services for children and young people in Wirral visit My Mind – CWP
Services for children and young people in Cheshire East visit Livewell Cheshire East
Services for children and young people in St Helens visit Think Wellbeing – Mersey Care
