Exercise self care for life!

Put yourself back on your priorities list.

Sometimes it can be hard step back and take a minute to yourself, especially when you have other things going on. But taking these moments to yourself and only for yourself, can help with feelings of stress.

Block in some 'me time' and do something you love, such as going for lunch, enjoying your favourite hobby, or simply doing nothing, slowing down and being in the moment.

Grab a cuppa and take 5 minutes to practice some mindfulness breathing. Here's a short breathing exercise from the NHS to help.

Want to find a new hobby or a different activity to do? Check out our what's on directory for lots of different activities and events across Herefordshire. There's something for everyone.

Talking to people can be the best form of self care.

Whether it's friends, family, or a local community group, building a support network is really important, so that somewhere to for encouragement, support and advice.

Need help finding a support network? We've got you covered:

Our Talk Community Hubs are run by amazing community volunteers and help bring people together and build friendships. Hubs are located across Herefordshire and provide a safe place where people can access up to date wellbeing information, activities, and signposting to local and national resources.  Our Hubs are located conveniently located across the county in a number of venues like cafes and community venues.

Check out our services and groups directory to find support groups close to you.

You may want to run away when someone says the word exercise (no pun intended), but not every form of exercise is like running a marathon.

The great thing about getting active, is that you can do it in a form that you love and a pace that works for you. So whether it’s dancing, walking, swimming – choose something you enjoy!

Here’s where to get started:

Our being active page is a great place full of helpful information to get you started, including lots of information on local walking routes.

Our what’s on directory has lots of information on walking-based exercise groups around the county.

Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire have a very useful activity finder to help you find different sports or activities in your area.

Choose How You Move has a range of information on local walking routes / led walks, cycle routes / lessons, park and share, park and cycle, rail and cycle and much more.

NHS Better Health offer information and advice to help you kick-start your journey to improved health, whether you want to eat healthier and lose weight, be more active, stop smoking or drink less.

Check out our services and groups on the directory, for lots of information about organisations who can help in your getting active journey.

Age UK have fantastic information on getting active as you get older, including if you want to be active but don’t know where to start.

Talk Community’s Healthy Lifestyles Service can also help you take control of the things that are stopping you live a more healthy lifestyle! It is a free and confidential service that for you when you want help and advice about a number of things, including being more active. Get in touch on 01432 383567 or email hlts@herefordshire.gov.uk

Some people find spending time in the kitchen therapeutic, which is an added benefit if you see it as self-care time. Making tasty, healthy food can be a fantastic way of boosting your mood or winding down after a busy day, if that's what you enjoy!

Mind has a full article on how food can affect your mood.

Check out our cooking at home page for lots of easy and healthy recipes you can try, using basic kitchen ingredients.

Our free weekly meal plan has some really quick and tasty ideas for you and it's all for *less than £50 for a family of 4!