23/09/2022 - It only takes one tiny step to help create good mental health

 

Extensive research by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) has shown that there are five key ways to improve our mental health and wellbeing which are:

Connect - with the people around you such as family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Strengthening relationships with others and feeling close to and valued by others, including at work, helps to boost wellbeing.

Take Notice - Be curious, remark on the unusual, notice the changing seasons. Paying more attention to the moment can improve mental wellbeing and can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Be Active - go for a walk, bike ride, have a dance or do some gardening. Being active a few times a week and discovering a physical activity that suits your level of mobility and fitness can help transform your physical fitness, but can also boost your mood and performance.

Keep Learning - try something new, rediscover an old interest, sign up for a course, learn to play an instrument or try a new recipe.  Trying something new can positively stimulate the brain, boosts self-confidence and can help build a sense of purpose which improves mental wellbeing.

Give - do something nice for a friend, or a stranger, volunteer your time. Carrying out acts of kindness, whether small or large, and being compassionate can create positive feelings and a sense of reward.

The campaign was officially launched at The Hat Factory yesterday when attendees were given the opportunity to try Qigong which features slow body movements, breathing and meditation and also participate in a breathwork exercise, as well as hear about how to incorporate the five ways to wellbeing and the barriers to speaking about mental health.

Over the coming months look out for adverts on display throughout Luton on lamppost banners and buses, digital screens at bus stops, in magazines and on social media highlighting simple ideas to boost your wellbeing.

As well as raising awareness about the five ways to wellbeing the campaign also aims to help people to recognise the signs of poor mental health in their family and friends and be given advice on how to support them; help to break down the stigma around mental health and signpost to local services so Luton residents know how to access mental health and wellbeing services.

Cllr Khtija Malik, portfolio holder with responsibility for public health and wellbeing, said: “People tend to focus more on their physical health but achieving good mental health is equally important. We developed the five ways to wellbeing campaign after listening to residents who highlighted an increase in mental health issues and needed further support to help them improve their wellbeing. Our campaign aims to show local people how easy it can be to do small things which can really make a positive impact on their mental health. 

“Tackling the stigma around mental health is also a crucial element of the campaign. Despite celebrities and sports personalities speaking openly about their own mental health issues many people still feel a sense of guilt or shame which creates a barrier to them seeking help. So we want people to know that they are not alone and help is out there. 

“I will be practising what I preach and will be making changes in my life to improve my wellbeing.”

Follow this link for more information about the campaign and details of mental health. Select adult wellbeing.