Did you know that according to Personal wellbeing in the UK: April 2022 to March 2023 report by ONS:

• 8.9% of people in the UK reported low levels of happiness (8.5% in the previous year)
• 23.4% reported high levels of anxiety (22.5% in the previous year)

Staying well emotionally, physically, and mentally does affect our mental health.

For instance, if you are physically active, eating well, getting enough sleep, and have good relationships then you are more likely to have positive mental health. But alternatively, if you are struggling with any of these factors then it can cause stress, and anxiety and also have an impact on mental health. According to National Mind, poor mental wellbeing can make it more difficult to cope with daily life.

But first, let’s understand what is the meaning of staying well.

What is staying well?

Staying well means actively taking small steps in day-to-day life to have a positive state of mind and cope with stress and anxiety. It doesn’t mean that you are unaffected by stressful situations, are always happy, and don’t/cannot have any mental health problems. Instead, it makes you capable of managing stressful situations and mental health problems.

How does staying well have an impact on mental health?

Inculcating small actions to stay well and improve your overall wellbeing helps your mental health by

• Making you resilient and improves your ability to cope well in stressful situations
• Helping you set goals for your life and fulfill them
• Improving relationships with others and building strong connections
• Focusing on self-care and looking after yourself
• Enhancing self-confidence through the belief that you can do it

Let’s have a look at some things we can try to improve our wellbeing.

Tips for staying well

1. Eat healthy and be active

Exercising or adding physical activity into your routine along with a healthy and nutritious diet helps the body stay fit, improves energy levels, and alleviates mood.

2. Socialise with people

Talk to friends and family and share your experiences with them if you are feeling low. You can also connect with people in your community to share and learn from each other’s experiences.

3. Look after yourself

Take some time out for self-care. Doing things for yourself like taking a relaxing bath, doing some skincare or taking some time to have fun helps to calm down and highlights the importance of looking after yourself.

4. Rest well

Having a good night’s sleep or taking a quick nap if needed helps your body and mind rejuvenate and recover.

5. Get involved in the community

Volunteer, help organise a community event or start a club. This supports connecting with people and making a difference in the community by helping others.

6. Reach out for help when needed

If you are having a bad day or feeling low, you can also reach out to a helpline for support. Getting support when needed can help feel better.

7. Do something that makes you happy

Listen to your favourite songs, learn something new, pick up your hobby, or binge-watch a series. Doing things that make you happy helps relieve stress and boost your mood.

How can CPSL Mind help?

You can visit our Good Mood Cafes if you are looking to connect with people in your community or even visit our Calm Space to relax. Also, have a look at our Peer Support Groups to meet people with similar experiences.

What if I’m not feeling well?

If you feel like you are having a mental health crisis you can talk to someone you trust like your friends and family. You can also book an appointment with your GP or reach out to any of the Helplines. Additionally, have a look at our helpful resources and our blog if you are not coping well.