Mental Health

Five steps for mental wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. If you approach them with an open mind and try them out, you can judge the results yourself.

More information about this is available at the following sites:

• NHS Every Mind Matters
• Mindapples

• Connect: Connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.
• Be Active: You don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find the activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.
• Keep Learning: Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike?
• Give To Others: Even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.
• Take Notice: be more aware of the present moment, including your feelings and thoughts, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness", and it can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Five steps for physical wellbeing

• Stop Smoking: One of the most important things you can do to improve your health is to stop smoking. For help and advice on giving up, see one of our nurses or ask in your local pharmacy.
• Maintain A Healthy Weight And Diet: Try to eat a balanced diet and avoid putting on weight. Ask your GP or nurse for advice on healthy eating and weight. They may be able to refer you for exercise classes and/or to see a dietician. Further information on healthy eating
• Keep Active: Regular exercise can help your mood, help you to lose weight and improve your heart and lung function. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise everyday if you can. Three 10 minute strolls or a 30 minute walk in the garden will do. If you are finding this difficult, ask your GP or nurse about a referral for exercise and/or a weight loss programme.
• Immunisations: We recommend that you have the flu vaccine every autumn if you are eligible and the adult pneumonia vaccine once in your life if you have a chronic disease or are over the age of 65. If you are unsure about whether you are due a vaccination, book an appointment with one of our nurses.
• Remember Your Medication: Take your medication daily and request them before they run out. Some people find electronic prescribing easier because the prescription is sent directly to the chemist of your choice. This saves you a trip to the surgery and allows the pharmacist to prompt you to order more when they see you are running low. Ask our receptionists or your local chemist about setting this up; it takes less than a minute! These are just a few simple steps to staying well. One of the most important things to remember is that you’re not alone and don’t have to battle through yourself. If you’re unsure about the above or want to talk through things in more detail, contact your GP or mental health nurse or counsellor.