Disability & Wellbeing ServiceTop tips to a happier, healthier you

Five steps to wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. If you give them a try, you may feel happier, more positive and able to get the most from life. You can find out more about the five steps to mental wellbeing on NHS Inform. Below are the five things that can help to boost our mental wellbeing:

  • connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships. Learn more in connect for mental wellbeing
  • be active – you don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life. Learn more in get active for mental wellbeing
  • keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and new confidence. Sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike. Find out more in learn for mental wellbeing
  • give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you, or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing. It can also help you build new social networks. Learn more in give for mental wellbeing
  • be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body, and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. Learn more in mindfulness for mental wellbeing

Top tips to a happier, healthier you!

Healthy eating

Eating healthily does more than keep your body healthy. It improves concentration. It boosts energy levels and reduces that low, tired, and sluggish feeling.

Eat well by having regular meals. Maintain a balanced diet with vegetables and starchy foods. Opt for healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, and seeds. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can cause irritability and difficulty with concentration. Try to avoid too much caffeine or high-sugar drinks. 

Sleep

Sleep is vital in maintaining your health and well-being. It’s important to put in place a regular sleeping routine. Develop sleeping techniques that work for you. Try the following to get a better night’s sleep:

  • ensure that your room is cool, dark, and quiet allowing you to feel calm and relaxed
  • ensure that all laptops, smartphones, iPads, and televisions are switched off. They can be distracting and stop you from getting to sleep
  • consider a milky drink or herbal tea, as these can be calming and help improve sleep

Exercise

Exercise is important. Try to incorporate it into everyday life, as it does wonderful things for both the body and mind.

You don’t need to be spending hours thrashing it out in the gym to be getting those endorphins in the brain going. Even moderate exercise, such as going for a walk, releases endorphins in the brain. These boost your mood and make you feel better. If you love the gym or fancy trying a new class, Strathclyde Sport offers a variety of classes for all abilities.

Socialising/hobbies

It's important to keep up with people who have a positive impact on your life.

Also, keep up with favourite hobbies and/or find new interests. Socialising and hobbies help to reduce the build-up of stress and give you a break from your hectic life. Joining a club gives you the opportunity to try something new or continue doing a hobby or interest you love. It’s also a great way to meet new people. 

Relaxation/me time

Relaxation and 'Me time' is an important element of everyday life. It aids in reducing the build-up of stress.

Taking some time out from our busy lives for relaxation and 'me time' can take many forms. It may be going out for a hike or having a laugh with friends watching a favourite film. Pampering yourself can boost your self-esteem. It will make you feel good about yourself and can be something fun to do with family or friends.

Meditation and deep relaxation is an important technique to incorporate into daily life. It’s a great way to relax and de-stress.

Positive thinking

It can be hard to see the positive things in life when you feel weighed down by worries and responsibilities.

A great technique is to keep a diary. Write down one to three positive things that occurred during that day and why they made you smile.