Good Mental Wellbeing

Good Mental Wellbeing: how can we stay mentally healthy?
Just as our physical health needs to be exercised so does our mental health in order to keep healthy and well. Evidence has suggested that there are 5 steps we can take to improve our mental health and wellbeing, these steps are known as the “5 ways to wellbeing”. The NHS say that “trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life”.
Here are the 5 ways to wellbeing with some creative ideas (some suggested by the NHS and others by us). If you are a young person we would also recommend MINDKIT (https://www.mindkit.org.uk/5-ways-to-wellbeing/) for additional suggestions.

  1. CONNECT

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing as they help build a sense of belonging and self-worth and give opportunities to share in positive experiences with others as well as gaining emotional support with others.
You could try:

  • Picking up the phone and getting in touch with family and friends, perhaps some who you haven’t spoken to in a while,
  • Join one of our church Life Groups, even just for this season click here for more information
  • Check out one of the NHS community apps (see NHS link below).

2. GET ACTIVE

Being active improves your mental well-being by causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood as well as helping raise your self-esteem and set goals.
You could try:

  • Doing an online class, we would recommend Joe Wicks!
  • Making use of your daily exercise to get out and go for a walk, cycle ride or run,
  • Being active around your house, doing tasks that require you to be up on your feet.


3. LEARN

Learning new skills benefits your mental wellbeing by boosting you self-confidence and helping you build a sense of purpose.
You could try:

  • Learning to cook a new recipe or a new DIY project that will stretch you,
  • Take an online class, Udemy is one great example of online courses with a mixture of paid and free ones. There are also some great educative channels on YouTube – we would recommend “Crash Course”.
  • Read a non-fiction book,
  • Study the Bible – we love the Bible Project website which has loads of great blogs, videos, podcasts and now even online classes! 


4. GIVE

Acts of kindness and generosity towards others improve our mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward and purpose.
You could try:

  • Offering to pick up shopping for a neighbour,
  • Donating to the foodbank,
  • Calling up someone who might be on their own to check in with them.


5. TAKE NOTICE

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing by helping you notice the good around and making you more aware of your own thoughts, feelings and body.
You could try:

  • Approaches to prayer that are more about being aware of God’s presence and connecting with him. We would recommend learning these from www.prayercourse.org,
    Approaches include: The Ignition Examen, Listening Prayer, Contemplation & Mediation. Try Googling these approaches, reading Pete Greig’s book (How to Pray) or chatting with one of the St.Francis team for ideas,
  • Mindfulness, there are websites and apps to help you do this. This approach helps you to become more aware of your breathing, body and thoughts,
  • Daily exercise, you could go for a walk and take note of 3 things that you haven’t noticed before.

When feelings of depression and/or anxiety begin to effect daily life it can be helpful to access further support. Here are a number of local and national services offering support for mental health. We are also able to offer prayer and pastoral support, please contact Jean (Vicar), Mary & Joe (Curates) to discuss how we might be able to support you.
GP – This is often a good first port of call to be sign posted to local services for support.
NHS – Helpful articles (including 5 ways to wellbeing) and signposting to local services

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/
– Great support line if you need to chat click here
– Good articles and resources click here

Alabare – Anyone wishing to access the telephone service can do so seven days per week from 3pm – 11pm by calling 01722 466680.