Ways to Improve your Mental Health and Wellbeing

Good mental health and wellbeing mean different things to different people and every person has to find their own way to a life that is meaningful and satisfying for them. Things that can contribute to positive mental health and wellbeing include:

• spending quality time with close friends and family
• working in a job or finding an activity that is meaningful
• learning a new skill
• finding a hobby
• having someone to talk to
• eating healthily and exercising regularly
• spending time with people who share similar interests.

Learn to relax and do things you enjoy. Everyone is different, so find out what works for you. Relaxing activities may include:

• listening to music
• watching TV
• playing video games
• gardening
• catching up for drinks with a friend
• play with pets
• going shopping.

Get moving – exercise is a great way to improve your negative mood. Do whatever you enjoy doing that gets you active, like:

• ride a bike
• go for a walk
• go for a swim at the beach or a pool
• play a sport you like
• kick a football with friends. 

Eat healthily:

• try to eat a healthy, balanced diet
• eating regular meals will give you energy
• eating plenty of fruit and vegetables will make you feel healthier
• avoid alcohol and other drugs.

Get enough sleep:

• if you are tired, you are more likely to feel stressed and worried
• aim for around 8 hours per night to avoid feeling tired
• try going to sleep and getting up at the same time each day
• avoid caffeinated drinks after lunchtime.

Feeling connected to people is an important part of staying well. It can help you feel confident and valued, and it can support you during difficult times. A lack of contact with others makes people feel lonely and disconnected.

• even if you are not contributing to conversations, stay around people
• spend time on relationships you are interested in
• care and support other people
• talk to family and friends and discuss your experiences, worries and feelings
• visit your GP if you have any physical or mental health concerns.

Join a local community group in something that interests you. This will also allow you to meet people who have similar interests, for example:

• find a self–help group
• join a craft group
• join a meditation or relaxation group
• learn a new hobby
• join a sporting team.

Learn to expect problems before they arise, as it will help reduce worry and stress. You can do this by:

• learning to understand your own thoughts and feelings
• planning what you might do in situations that cause you stress
• identifying at least two people who can help you when you come across a problem in your life.

It is important to introduce a routine and structure to your days. Setting and achieving goals can help to organize your time, and can give you a sense of purpose in life. Goals can be related to:

• work
• study
• exercise
• eating healthy
• joining in on social activities.