Simple ways to boost your mental wellbeing | Tenant news

More of us know that taking steps to look after our mental health - and doing it regularly - has huge benefits to our overall wellbeing.

The NHS says that staying on top of our mental wellbeing is good for us and helps us manage difficult times in the future. Over time, it can also reduce our risk of physical health problems.

With World Mental Health Day (10 October) still fresh in our minds, we’ve put together some simple mental health-boosting tips you can try at your own pace.

Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for maintaining good health (adults need around eight hours a night) and not getting enough can lead to chronic long-term health conditions.

Having good quality sleep is also important. Put away smartphones and tablets and turn off computers and televisions about an hour before you go to bed to improve the quality of your sleep.

Get out in nature

Being in nature is proven to improve your mood. Try and get outside for half an hour a day, be it in the garden, your local park or any other green space.

It’s a good way to destress and clear your mind, so it’s a great thing to do after work. Getting fresh air and enjoying nature’s sights while you move is also beneficial.

If you’re feeling tired, it’s easy to talk yourself out of exercising. Education Support, who support mental health and wellbeing of teachers and education staff, has this handy tip: set yourself a goal of a five-minute walk, and the chances are that once you start moving, you’ll find you’re ok to keep going. 

Join a walking or hiking group to explore your local area after work or on weekends. The BBC television show Countryfile has listed 10 walking groups for disabled people.

Connect with others

In times of stress, it’s good to connect with friends or family. Sharing experiences through chat helps us improve our mental resilience and helps people feel connected, valued and can boost self-esteem.

Loneliness can affect anyone of any age, but it can especially affect disabled people. The NHS has some great advice on how to tackle loneliness and can provide you with free ‘mind plan’.

Look after pets

Experts say that caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways. They can help reduce anxiety, provide companionship, add structure to your day, increase your physical activity and help you meet new people (if you have a pet dog).

If you can’t have a pet, find out if you can borrow someone else’s for a few hours a week. Consider signing up to Borrow my Doggy, become a dog sitter or walker, or house sit for someone with a pet. You could also volunteer at a rescue centre or animal shelter.

Cook healthy meals

When you’re feeling stressed or in a low mood, it’s easy to reach for sugary or high fat foods as they give a sense of comfort. However, eating lots of “junk” or highly processed foods can increase your risk of mental health disorders in the long term. Check out the British Heart Foundation’s list of ultra processed foods for more information.

We’re all taught that eating your five a day is an important part of keeping healthy. But did you know that there are foods that are good for your health and can boost your mood? They include eggs, bananas, salmon and broccoli. BBC Good Food has 20 healthy mood-boosting recipes to try.

Make time for yourself

Find time in your week to do something you find relaxing and fun. Whether that’s reading a book or magazine, having a bath or cooking your favourite meal, meeting a friend for a coffee, watching a film, pottering around in the garden, or getting a haircut – just do it.

It’s good to have nice things to look forward to. The Mental Health Foundation advises: “Decide what you’ll do, when and with who and, if needed, book it. It’s important to follow your plan – and repeat."