Looking after yourself
Feeling happy and experiencing good mental health has a big impact on your wellbeing and helps you to achieve more and be the best you can be.
We’ve pulled together a list of tips and advice on how you can manage, improve and maintain your mental health, as well as some services you can turn to for support if you need it.
Exercise
Regular exercise isn’t just beneficial for your physical health, it’s also good for your mental health. It can help boost your self-esteem and allow you release stress and tension.
Sleep
It’s important you get as much sleep as both your mind and body need, so relaxing before bedtime and getting yourself in to a solid routine is a great way to help you drift off into a deep sleep. Try to not use your phone, or any other digital device past 9pm.
Keeping in touch
It’s been proven that keeping connected with your loved ones and maintaining strong relationships with your friends and family is beneficial for your mental health. We’ve put together some guides on how to navigate the world wide web, and how to use apps like WhatsApp, Zoom and more so you can keep in touch with your loved ones.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a mind and body approach that can help you manage your thoughts, feelings and your mental health.
Using techniques like mediation, breathing and yoga, mindfulness exercises help you pay attention to the present moment and be more aware of your feelings.
Practising mindfulness regularly is proven to give you more insight to your thoughts and feelings and can help you improve your relationships.
For more information on mindfulness, take a look at Mental Health Foundation’s website.
Services
If you feel like you need an extra helping hand to manage and maintain your mental health, and you’re struggling to cope, it’s important you ask for help.
We’ve listed some organisations that you can contact for support below.
Get support
Samaritans
Samaritans is a free service that is available 24/7, 365 days a year. They offer a safe space for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you.
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.co.uk
Shout
Shout provides a free 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go for anyone who is struggling to cope and needs immediate help.
Text: 85258
Click to find out moreMind
MIND is a charity that provides advice and support for people who are experiencing mental health problems.
Their Infoline provides an information and signposting service, and is open 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).
Call: 0300 123 3393
Text: 86463
Email: info@mind.org.uk
NHS
The NHS urgent mental health helplines are for people of all ages, and are available 24/7.
Click here to find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline.
Click to find out more