Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can: There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships: if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together 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 volunteer at a local school, hospital or community group.
Find out how to volunteer on the GOV.UK website make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family. Video-chat apps like Skype and FaceTime are useful, especially if you live far apart Don’t
2. Be physically activeBeing active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
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3. Learn new skillsResearch shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life. Some of the things you could try include: Do
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4. Give to othersResearch suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:
It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community. Some examples of the things you could try include:
5. 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. Information: The 5 ways to wellbeing were researched and developed by the New Economics Foundation. The mental health charity Mind also offer more information about the 5 ways to wellbeing. |