Wellbeing advice

With the help of some of our customers and colleagues, we’ve pulled together some top tips on how to take care of your health and wellbeing.

Stay connected

It’s so important to stay connected with people – a quick call, text or walk with a friend or family member could do you both the world of good.

Get a routine

Keep to a regular routine – break your day down into manageable chunks of time and try to stick to it. Remember getting a good night’s sleep, avoiding too much screen time, eating regularly and drinking plenty of water can all help too.

Try to keep active

Go for a walk or enjoy time in an outdoor space if you can – go at your own pace and enjoy your surroundings. If you can’t get out and about remember there are still things you can do at home. If you are up to a challenge, the NHS couch to 5k app is free.

Try something new

From reading and drawing to jigsaws and puzzles – find a hobby you can look forward to and concentrate on. Both customers and colleagues have told us taking time out for yourself to do a relaxing activity can make all the difference.

Be inspired

There are lots of places to find a pick-me-up online. Here are some that we enjoy:

@goodnews_movement

@the.wellness.psychologist

Feel better, live more podcast

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is about "paying more attention to the present moment - to your own thoughts and feelings, and the world around you" which can improve your mental wellbeing (NHS). You could try:

• enjoying some colouring-in
• taking time to sit quietly and concentrate on your breathing
• free mindfulness sessions available to stream online

Get your own mind plan

Get a personalised mental health action plan from the NHS' Every Mind Matters. Get your mind plan.

Get your flu vaccine

The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 or over
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Live in a care home
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

You can find more information on the NHS website. 

Anxiety UK

A national charity to support those affected by anxiety, stress and anxiety based depression. You can call their helpline on 03444 775 774 (open 9:30am–5:30pm, Monday to Friday), or visit anxietyuk.org.uk to find out more

CALM

A leading movement against suicide in the UK; CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) run a free, confidential helpline and webchat. You can call them on 0800 58 58 58 (open 5pm–midnight everyday) or visit thecalmzone.net to find out more.

Mind

This charity provide advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. You can call their info line on 0300 123 3393 (open 9am–6pm Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays), or visit mind.org.uk to find out more.

PAPYRUS

This charity are dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. For confidential suicide prevention advice you can call their HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (open 9am–midnight every day), or visit papyrus-uk.org to find out more.

Samaritans

A Samaritan can support you whatever you’re going through. They’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call them on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org

Shout 85258

This is a free, confidential, text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope – it’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Text SHOUT to 85258, or visit giveusashout.org

Stay Alive

This app is a suicide prevention resource to help you stay safe in a crisis. Download it for free on the app store on your smartphone.