Your mental wellbeing is really important to keep healthy, just like your physical health.
Having good wellbeing can be difficult because our minds can dwell on the negative. However, just like we can train animals, we can also train our minds to be healthier to improve our wellbeing! In this blog, let’s take a look at 5 things we can do every day to boost our mental health and wellbeing.
Connect
Connect with people around you like your family, friends, peers and neighbours. Instead of sending someone a text or commenting on their social media posts, call them or ask to meet up in person. That way, you can find out how someone is really doing and give them an opportunity to connect with you.
You can also connect with strangers by smiling, saying hello or asking about their day.
If you’d like to make new connections, consider joining a club or group so you can meet new people who enjoy similar things to you.
Spending meaningful time with people every day can help you to feel connected and less lonely, which can improve wellbeing.
Get active
When we exercise, happy chemicals called endorphins are released into our brains which can help to ease pain and make us feel more positive.
You don’t have to run a marathon, but instead, look for small, achievable ways that you can be active every day. Maybe you could go for a walk or run, stretch, or dance like nobody is watching. You could play a game outside with your friends or siblings or follow a free video workout.
The most important thing is to move your body in a way that you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
Learn something new
Learning doesn’t have to just happen at school, college, university or at work. You can learn more about things that interest you and make you happy in your own time.
Finding something new that interests you (or rediscovering an old interest) can give you a sense of fulfilment. To learn something new, you could:
- sign up for a course
- try to fix something
- take on a new responsibility
- learn to play a musical instrument
- attempt a new recipe
- learn a new language
- find out about a different culture
Learning can be fun and may help you feel more confident, boosting your self-esteem. You might be able to learn something new with the help of someone, and in return, you could teach them something they’d like to learn!
Be mindful
Be present in the here and now, rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future. This is a skill called mindfulness, which you can practice to help you pay attention to your present thoughts and feelings.
To help you do this, take notice of what’s going on in the world around you right now. What can you see, touch, taste, hear, and smell? Being mindful of the present can help you to appreciate life in that moment and give your mind a break.
“Tomorrow is a mystery, yesterday is history, and today is a gift. That is why they call it the present.”
Master Oogway from Kung Fu Panda”
Give to others
Giving is about doing small acts of kindness for other people. You don’t need to do any big or give something that costs a lot of money. In fact, giving your time, words, or a smile can go a very long way. Even the smallest acts of kindness make a difference.
You could do something kind for someone you care about, or even a stranger, such as:
- write a nice note
- make someone a cup of tea
- donate to charity
- volunteer
- compliment someone
- help somebody with a task
- ask someone if they need anything
Even asking a person how they are and taking time to listen to their answer is a great way to give.
Giving to others can help us feel good about ourselves as we know we have helped someone. It can be very rewarding to be giving and it may also help you to create better connections with others.
Make sure to thank people and show your appreciation to them for showing you kindness, too.
Related Information
The NHS have some useful mental wellbeing audio guides to help you worth through feelings like worry and stress and boost your mood.
Visit TheSprout’s mental health information page for information about where you can access support for your wellbeing and mental health.
This blog was shared by Meic, the information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people in Wales. If you’re struggling with your wellbeing, or if there’s anything else that’s worrying you, then contact Meic. Their friendly advisors can help you by calling (080880 23456), texting (84001), or chatting with them online.
