Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is an essential part of our overall health and it is important to take time to look after it. Good mental wellbeing doesn’t simply mean a lack of mental illness, or that all aspects of life are going smoothly. When we have good mental wellbeing, we are better able to manage ups and downs of life and more able to enjoy our experiences. 

There are many things we can do to improve our mental wellbeing, and it important to find what works best for you. Below are some suggestions of ways to support your mental wellbeing. 

Steps to look after your mental wellbeing 

• Five Ways to Wellbeing – these steps include some of the most widely accepted approaches to positively managing your own mental wellbeing. 
• 10 Keys to Happier Living – Based on the latest research, the Action for Happiness movement have identified 10 Keys to Happier Living that consistently tend to make life happier and more fulfilling. Together they spell “GREAT DREAM”. 

Being in nature 

Being outside and in the natural world can have big benefits for mental health and well-being as well as simply being good for leisure and relaxation. South Gloucestershire has some great places to explore:  

• Parks and open spaces 
• Nature reserves and woodlands 

The West of England Healthier with Nature Directory helps you find diverse local organisations offering outdoor and nature-based activities and services. 

For some people, activities such as growing your own food, planting trees and helping to restore the natural world can be really beneficial. To find out about local groups that you can join please visit the links below: 

• The conservation volunteers 
• Avon Wildlife Trust 

Reading  

Reading can support your mental wellbeing in many ways. It can help

focus your thoughts, provide enjoyment and escapism and you can learn something new, among other benefits.  

• Amongst the wide range of books to enjoy at South Gloucestershire libraries you can find Reading Well books that have been recommended by health professionals to provide information on different health and wellbeing topics.  

Physical activity and mental health 

Moving your body and being physically active can have significant positive impacts on your mental wellbeing. Whether you choose activities to do by yourself or with others, movement of any kind is a great way to support your wellbeing.  

• Wesport work with a range of organisations to create opportunities for people to benefit from physical activity.    
• NHS Better Health has advice on becoming more active as well as information on Couch to 5K and Active 10 digital apps to support you reach your goals. 
• For information on local walking groups, running groups and activities for older people, visit South Gloucestershire One You- Move More pages.  

Wellbeing apps

Below are a range of additional apps, relating to mental health and wellbeing, recommended by the NHS: 

• Calm Harm is an app designed to help people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. It’s private and password-protected. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play. 
• Catch It teaches you how to look at problems in a different way, turn negative thoughts into positive ones, and improve your mental wellbeing. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play. 
• distrACT provides quick, easy and discreet access to information and advice about self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play. 
• eQuoo uses adventure games designed by psychologists to increase your emotional fitness and learn new psychological skills. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play. 
• Feeling Good uses the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy to help improve thoughts and feelings, self-esteem and self-confidence. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play. 
• MyPossibleSelf helps you manage fear, anxiety and stress through taking control of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play. 
• Student Health App provides access to more than 900 pages of reliable, regularly updated health information created for university students by NHS doctors. Download from the Apple Store or Google Play. 

Further information

• Every Mind Matters – find a range of advice and practical resources to help your mental health and wellbeing. 
• Mental Health Foundation – information and resources about mental health, looking after yourself or someone else, preventing mental ill health and more.   
• Action for happiness – charity sharing ideas, resources and information to help create a happier, kinder world.  
• South Gloucestershire information and advice:  
• Community learning and skills service  - opportunities for adult learning on a range of topics.  
• Workplace wellbeing – supporting workplaces that maintain physical and mental health of staff  
• Happy Parent, Happy Child– self-care tips, activity ideas and information for parents and carers