Tips to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing

It's really important to look after your wellbeing. We all have mental health, just as we have physical health but often, people don't always look after their mental health as they would their physical health. 

We've compiled some tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing.

Connect with nature

If you can’t get outside, even opening a window for some fresh air and hearing the birds can be calming. Breathing in fresh air is proven to help you feel calm, less stressed and can improve your mood. If you are able to go for a short walk, this isn’t only good for your physical health, but for your mental health too, it’s a great distraction and can clear your mind.

Learn to understand your feelings - mindfulness

Understanding your feelings can help you better manage them. When you're more in touch with your feelings - you'll be able to notice patterns of positive and negative emotions. Some people find practicising mindfulness is helpful. You can find information from mentalhealth.org.uk about mindfulness. 

Talking with others

The saying is true, 'a problem shared, is a problem halved'. Choose a close friend or family member that you can turn to if you’re feeling down to give them a call, write them a letter or do a video call together. The charity, Mind have an online community, available 24/7 called Side by Side where you can talk to others.

MHA also offers a befriending service where you can be paired with a volunteer to either call you, or visit you in person (where available). This isn't a talking therapy service, but it can help you feel less alone having someone to talk to.

If you do think you need professional help, please contact your GP. 

If you find it difficult to talk to healthcare professionals, Mentalhealth.org.uk have information on talking to healthcare professionals.

Get a good night's sleep 

As we age, it can become more difficult to get to sleep (and to stay asleep too). Here are some small changes you can make to improve your sleep:

• Develop a relaxing bedtime routine to help you start winding down before you actually go to sleep - you could try a bath, closing the curtains early, and using low-lighting like lamps.
• Avoid TV and mobile screens - digital devices give off blue light which can keep our attention, and keep us awake at night so up to an hour before bed, reduce your screen time.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed - this will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. You could also avoid vigorous exercise before bed.
• Go to bed and get up at around the same time every day so your body can align to a routine.

Lead a healthy lifestyle

Our mind is linked to our body, so a healthier body can help with a healthier mind too. We have some advice for good health in later life. 

Take some time for you

It's important to do things that make you feel good and happy. This can be really simple like enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new, reading a book, or taking time to relax. 

Practice gratitude

Living in the moment can help you gain a better perspective on life. Gratitude is a practice where you focus on what you have, rather than focusing on what you don't have. Take a moment to reflect on this, you might want to write it down and you can come back to your list in moments when you need some positivity. 

Other organisations that can support you

• Action for Happiness – an online community that has plenty of resources, podcasts, videos, and free support available.
  
  
• Mind - provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Call their infoline on 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday 9am- 6pm, except for bank holidays).
  
  
• Samaritans - whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you, they’re available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call their helpline on 116 123.
  
  
• Mental Health Org have a kindness guide that lists things to do that improve your mood.
  
  
• The NHS also have some tips to improve mental wellbeing and Your Mind Plan - complete their short survey to get your personalised mental health action plan.

Page last updated: July 2023.