Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. The website https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters offers expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing. Suggestions include:
Try not to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly. Avoid smoking, drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
Maintain healthy relationships with people you trust. This is important for your mental wellbeing.Think about ways to stay in touch with friends and family if you or they need to stay at home – by phone, messaging, video calls or social media.
Carry on doing things you enjoy. If you are feeling worried, anxious, lonely or low, you may stop doing things you usually enjoy. Make an effort to focus on your favourite hobby if it is something you can still do at home. Or start a new hobby: read, write, do crosswords or jigsaws, or try drawing and painting. Whatever it is, find something that works for you.
Check your employment and benefits rights.You may be worried about work and money while you have to stay home – which can have a big effect on your mental health. For benefits advice, ring Citizens Advice Bureau on 0344 848 7979 any time between 9.00 – 5.00 from Monday to Friday. They aim to answer all calls