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 wellbeing on the NHS Inform website. Below are the five things that, according to research, can really 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. So why not 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 and 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!

1. Healthy Eating: 
   Eating healthily does more than just keep your body healthy; it improves concentration, boosts energy levels and reduces that low, tired & sluggish feeling. Eat well by having regular meals, and maintain a balanced diet with vegetables and starchy foods. Opt for healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts and seeds. Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can cause irritability and difficulty with concentration. Try to avoid too much caffeine or high sugar drinks.
   
   
2. Sleep:
   Sleep is a vital element in maintaining your physical health, mental health and overall well-being. That's why it’s important to implement a regular sleeping routine and develop sleeping techniques that work for you. Try the following techniques 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, iPad’s and TV's are switched off, as 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.
   
   
3. Exercise:
   Exercise is an important activity to try to incorporate 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, which boosts your mood and makes you feel better. If you love gym time or fancy trying a new class, Strathclyde Sport offers a variety of classes for all abilities. 
   
   
4. Socialising/Hobbies:
   It is important to keep up with people who have a positive impact on your life and to 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 or society not only 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.
   
   
5. Relaxation/Me time:
   Relaxation and 'Me time' is an important element of everyday life and 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, such as going out for a hike or having a laugh with friends watching a favourite film. Pampering yourself and taking care of yourself can really boost your self-esteem, 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, as it’s a great way to relax and de-stress.
   
   
6. Positive thinking:
   It can be hard when you feel weighed down by your worries and responsibilities to see the positive and good things in your life. A great technique is to keep a diary and write down one to three positive things that occurred during that day and why they made you smile.