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Positive Steps
to Mental Health &
Well-being
All of us feel anxious, stressed
or low from time to time.
Doing something positive to help yourself can make a remarkable difference to
your mood, so read through these positive steps, and
try at least of them today!
Get active – and feel good
Exercise is great
for well-being. It not only
improves your physical health and gives you more
energy, it can even improve your mood! Pick an activity you know you enjoy or
try something different like dancing, swimming, hiking or horse riding.
Do something creative
Boost your mood by
getting in touch with your creative side! All kinds of creative activities like
painting, drawing, writing, cooking, gardening or playing an instrument are
absorbing and relaxing – and can even help you forget what is worrying you for a
while.
Ask for a little help
It’s OK to ask for
help if you’re stressed – chat to a close friend, family member, or even a
support group. We could all do with a little extra help and encouragement from
time to time.
Use the food to boost your mood
What you put in your
mouth can have a real influence on your mood! By cutting back on sugar and refined
Carbohydrates and eating a
diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean meat, whole
grains and oily fish, will give you
more energy, increased concentration and your mental
well-being will be much improved.
Accept yourself for who you are
It’s easy to be down on yourself and self-critical when you’re feeling low. Why
not ease up on yourself? Remember all of your positive qualities, write them
down if you’re feeling low.
Have a go at something new
Why not take
up a hobby or learn a skill, like learning a new language, yoga classes or tai
chi? Learning something new stimulates your mind, boosts your confidence and can
give you a new interest in life – and you might meet new people, too!
Don’t over do the Drink
Lots of people take a drink to help them unwind, but
most are unaware that alcohol can be a depressant,
Drink in moderation.
You can still enjoy yourself if you drink responsibly
and your health and well-being will not suffer.
Stop beating yourself up!
If you’re having a difficult time, go easy on yourself – don’t load yourself
down with demands and expectations. It’s easy to be self-critical – why not
focus instead on praising yourself for the positive things you’ve done?
Keep in touch
Friends can be just
the tonic you need when you’re low – make an effort to keep in touch, whether
through a quick phone call, an email/chat-room or even pop round for a visit!
Talk it through
When you’re feeling
low and overwhelmed by things, don’t be afraid to talk to someone. If you just want a voice because you feel you can’t talk to anyone
close to you, Help lines such as the Samaritans can be
a great source of support.
Get out there!
If you feel isolated
this can increase feelings of depression or low self-confidence.
Help yourself by making an effort to enjoy the social scene a bit more. Getting
involved in group activities can take your mind off your worries, and other
people can be a great source of support.
Take a load off and unwind
If the hustle and
bustle of life is hectic, it can be hard to relax – so
why not set aside a little time to unwind and do something you really enjoy,
even half an hour a day just reading or listening to music? Looking forward to
‘your time’ every day can really boost your mood!
For more advice check out the following websites
www.oldham.nhs.uk
www.disabilityactionoldham.org
http://www.pat.nhs.uk/
http://www.penninecare.nhs.uk
Other Sources of self help and other useful information
are:
LEVEL 1 INFO
LEVEL 2 INFO
LEVEL 3 INFO
LEVEL 4 INFO
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