Mental health and wellbeing ideas

Wellbeing focus

Ideas you can use to help your wellbeing and mental health

In this Wellbeing Focus we’ve included some different activities for you to try. Scroll through and click on links wherever they interest you, and look out for our wellbeing posters for lots of feel-good tips!

Challenges and setbacks are important in helping us grow and adapt, leading us to try new things beyond our comfort zone. This can then open up a new realm of possibility and potential.

Stay in touch with friends and family

Staying in touch with our friends and family can really make such a difference to how we all feel. We can help each other celebrate the good times and provide support during the tough times.

Spending this much needed time with friends and family will support your emotional growth and you will be able to help each other grow.

Try creating your own support tree

Write the names of everyone who makes you smile – family, friends, neighbours, clubs you belong to
Mark with a highlighter a person you can: laugh with, relax around, confide in, call if you’re in a difficult situation.
This can be a great way to remind us who we haven’t been in touch with for a while. Have a think about ways you can get in touch – our Connections poster has some suggestions to help get you started.

Although we are out of lockdown, it is still important to follow the recommended guidelines. This could mean that you are missing hugs with your friends. They can be such a great way to help us feel happy and connected. We’ve come up with a few feel-good hug alternatives to help you through:

Listen to music to release the cuddle hormone and stimulate the emotional circuits in your brain. How about making a playlist to share with a friend?
Snuggle up in a warm blanket and wrap your arms around yourself
Have a cuddle with your pet or an old toy or even a cosy hot water bottle
Send a ‘hug’ card
Perhaps there’s someone else in your family who could do with a hug too?!

Interesting Fact:

Did you know that in sign language, you show a hug by clenching your fists, crossing your arms and hugging your heart?

Create your own ‘Mini Wellbeing Plan’

…using the 5 Ways to Wellbeing

Finding ways to feel happy and fulfilled in life can seem quite tricky, but using the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ could be just what you need to get you started. Take a look at the poster to find out more and then have a go at creating your own action plan.

Looking for ideas to get you started? Head to Eikon’s ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing at Home’

Being in nature has a powerful effect on our wellbeing and gives our brain a boost of ‘feel-good’ vibes. As the days grow longer and the natural world springs into life, think about the different ways you can bring the outdoors into your day.