Positive changes to enjoy good mental health and wellbeing
Improving wellbeing whatever your age can help you stay healthy and independent for longer. It’s never too early to start investing in your own good mental health.
Councillor Wendy Bowkett, executive councillor for adult care and public health, said: “We know that living through a pandemic has had a huge impact on people’s lives, both young and old.”
“People have had to endure difficult periods of isolation and worry and now we’ve come out of it, there are stressful issues like the cost of living. But there is support out there and no-one should feel alone.”
These ‘five ways to good mental wellbeing’ can help if you sometimes feel stressed, anxious or low:
1: Get active
Exercise makes you feel good – find something you enjoy
- go for a walk, run or cycle
- play a game with your children or grandchildren
- try an activity like gardening or a dance class
To find out about clubs/activities: www.letsmovelincolnshire.com
Get more active: www.oneyoulincolnshire.org.uk or www.activelincolnshire.com
2: Connect with others
Building connections builds your support network.
- Talk to family, friends, colleagues and neighbours - at home, work, school or in your local community
- Phone or email a friend you don’t see
- Spend time with pets and animals
Look for local community activities near you by searching: https://lincolnshire.connecttosupport.org/
3. Take notice
This increases your ability to keep calm, reduce stress, think clearly and cope better with difficult situations.
- Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends
- Be close to nature – have indoor plants, spend time in your garden or other green spaces
Advice to help you appreciate everything around you: www.minded.org.uk
4. Keep Learning
Learning new things can help with confidence as well as being fun.
- Learn a new skill, take a course or rediscover an old interest
- Take on a different responsibility
- Fix or renovate something
For local courses: www.2aspire.org.uk
5. Be generous
Linking your happiness to the wider community can be rewarding.
- Do something nice for someone
- Say thanks and smile
- Volunteer your time or join a community group
Voluntary Centre Services can connect you to volunteer opportunities: www.lincolnshirecvs.org.uk/volunteering
If you need support
- Useful information if you are struggling with the cost of living
- Issues like debt, bereavement, gambling, and alcohol abuse can seriously affect your mental health. Help is available for these issues at Connect to Support
- If you feel overwhelmed and are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, there are services that can help for children, young people and adults: www.lpft.nhs.uk
‘The best thing I have ever done’
Five years ago, Long Sutton councillor Jack Tyrrell was approached by friend Barry Meade about using one of his buildings for a new Men’s Shed group – a national project supporting men’s mental health.
Long Sutton Men’s Shed now has more than 80 members and has been voted the second best ‘Men’s Shed’ group in the country.
Cllr Tyrrell explained: “I hadn’t even heard of the project back then, but I did know men who had lost their wives and found they hardly knew anyone and had few friends.
“Many of them were going through difficult times when they joined, but you gradually see them finding friendships, keeping busy, taking on projects and it lifts them in lots of ways.
“I have seen so many men climb out of their depression and are now through the other side. To think that this group has helped them is very satisfying. When I see that, I think this is the best thing I have ever done.
“The Men’s Shed also gives a platform for men who have skills or trades and want to pass on their knowledge. We have carpenters, wood turners, bricklayers, but also people from all walks of life and perhaps the most useful thing they do here is to talk.
“It gives them a place they can be themselves, share their troubles and help others. Of course, a steady supply of tea and biscuits helps enormously.”
The Long Sutton Mens Shed received funding under Suicide Prevention Wave 1. The Men’s Sheds are community-based organisations that provide a space for men to connect with others, learn new skills or have access to equipment to undertake hobbies including woodworking. The social and health benefits have also been recognised worldwide and the UK Men’s Shed Association have a wealth of detailed information on their website www.menssheds.org.uk