What is mental wellbeing?

Mental wellbeing can mean different things to different people. It can relate to our emotions, how we’re handling daily life, or our sense of what’s achievable at any given time.

Having good mental wellbeing doesn’t mean you’re always happy or immune to life’s challenges. Instead, it’s about having the strength and resilience to deal with them.

You can experience good mental wellbeing even if you have a mental health condition, and you can have poor wellbeing even if you don’t have a specific mental health issue.

It’s important to create space to take care of yourself. While it may sound simple, giving yourself time to focus on self-care can make a big difference to how you feel.

8 steps to better mental wellbeing

There are many ways to look after your mental wellbeing. Here are 8 areas of life where simple changes can make a big difference:

1. Connect with others and nature

Spending time with family, friends, and other people in your community can give you a sense of belonging and support. Also, being in nature can be refreshing and calming, helping you feel more connected to the world around you.

Find out how to connect with others

Find out how to connect with nature

Find regular wellbeing groups and activities in Leeds

Find outdoor activity groups in Leeds

2. Keep moving

Staying active is a great way to boost your mood and energy levels. It doesn’t have to be intense; even a daily walk can make a big difference.

Find out how to keep moving

Find ways to exercise in Leeds

Download our free Move Your Way resource

3. Take notice

Paying attention to the present moment, including your thoughts, feelings, and the world around you, can improve your mental wellbeing. Mindfulness and meditation can help with this.

Find out how to be mindful

Find out how using your senses can relieve anxiety

4. Keep learning

Trying new things and learning new skills can boost your self-confidence and give you a sense of achievement.

Find out how to keep learning

Find ways to keep learning in Leeds

5. Give

Doing kind things, big or small, can make you feel good and help you connect with others. You don’t need to do anything big – even a smile, a kind word, or helping a neighbour can make a difference. Every act of kindness helps and can brighten someone’s day, including yours.

Find out how to volunteer to help others

Find out how to spread kindness

6. Get creative

Expressing yourself through creative activities like painting, writing, or playing music can be a fun way to feel better. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start – everyone can be creative in their own way.

Creativity can help you understand or express difficult emotions, reduce stress, and improve your overall mood. Just find what feels right for you and enjoy the process.

Find out how to get creative

Find creative activity groups in Leeds

7. Relax and try to sleep well

Making time for relaxation and sleep is important for your mental wellbeing. Aim for regular, restful sleep and try relaxation techniques to help your mind and body unwind.

If your mental health or caring responsibilities are getting in the way of good sleep, try not to worry. Many people experience periods where their sleep is not as good as they would like. Focus on what you can control, and remember that occasional sleepless nights are normal and usually improve over time.

Find out how to relax

Find out how to get good sleep

8. Plan time for weekly self-care

Setting aside time each week for self-care activities you enjoy can help maintain your mental health and prevent burnout.

Find out how to plan weekly self care

Learn quick self-help techniques

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Look after your physical health