Mental Wellbeing is not just the absence of mental health problems such as low mood or anxiety.
Mental wellbeing is a state in which you can function in your environment, cope well with challenges, connect with others and engage with your community, feel good and thrive in life.
Many factors influence our mental well-being, some we have no influence over such as adverse childhood experiences, bereavement and global events, but there are others we can control. These include:
- Physical activity https://www.douglasmedicalcentre.co.uk/help-support/health-and-wellbeing/physical-activity/
- Food and Health https://www.douglasmedicalcentre.co.uk/help-support/health-and-wellbeing/food-and-health/
- Sleep https://www.douglasmedicalcentre.co.uk/help-support/health-and-wellbeing/sleep/
- Stopping Smoking https://www.douglasmedicalcentre.co.uk/help-support/health-and-wellbeing/stopping-smoking/
- Recreational/alcohol Substance Use https://www.douglasmedicalcentre.co.uk/help-support/health-and-wellbeing/recreational-substance-use-and-addiction/
- Relationships- connect regularly with the people around you such as with family, friends, or colleagues. If you feel isolated or lonely ask us about a sources of support referral or a green prescription (see link at the bottom of the page). If you are interested in finding out more about what’s on but don’t feel you need a green prescription you can call 01382 305757.
- Stress-find out more about how stress affects you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuyPuH9ojCE
Below is the NHS leaflet on managing stress:
This is a link to breathing and relaxation exercises for calming stress:
Self Help CBT techniques
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques
Self Help for unhelpful thinking patterns
Other things that can help improve your mental wellbeing:
- Taking time for your self: having regular, uninterrupted time to do whatever you choose, either doing things you enjoy, relaxing or doing things for yourself, improves your well-being and sense of self-worth
- Engage in meaningful activities: this is different for everyone. Some examples could be learning, volunteering, doing things for others, hobbies, time with family, religious or spiritual activities, etc
- Gratitude has been associated with positive mood, happiness and life satisfaction.
Simple exercises are:
1) Every night write 3 things from your day you are grateful for;
2) Make a list of your blessings;
3) Send a quick note to someone appreciating something they did - Downtime: It is important to have time to unwind and relax daily, so our brains and bodies can recover and recharge. Taking breaks can improve mood, boost performance, and increase our ability to concentrate and pay attention. Not allowing time to pause and rest can lead to stress and burnout.
- Time in nature: there is increasing evidence that time in nature enhances both physical and mental health Link to Green Health leaflet