Give your mental health and wellbeing a boost

This week, is Mental Health Awareness Week (10 – 16 May), so why not give your mental health and wellbeing a boost by connecting with nature or giving our winning ways to wellbeing a go?

They’re all small, simple steps you can take to help you feel more in control, deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep and boost your mood.

Connect with nature

Every day, try to take some time for yourself to connect to the nature in your local area.  This can be as simple as listening to birdsong, smelling freshly cut grass, taking care of a plant in your garden or noticing the trees, flowers and animals around you.  

If you want to connect further with nature, why not get out and about and explore the beautiful Herefordshire countryside?  We’re lucky to be surrounded by over 2,000 miles of footpaths across the county, including 25 circular, signposted walking routes, ranging from 2 to 10 miles.  To find out more, take a look at our being active page.

Winning ways to wellbeing

There are five steps we can all take to help improve our mental health and wellbeing.

Step 1…Take notice
Enjoy the moment: Try walking a different route to work or visit somewhere new in Herefordshire

Step 2…Connect
Talk and listen: Ask how a friend is, call instead of texting or simply listen to the nature around you

Step 3…Be active
Improve your physical wellbeing: Go for a walk (as little as a 10 minute brisk walk can make a big difference!) or even just avoid the lift at work and take the stairs

Step 4…Give
Your time to help others: Volunteer in the community or simply say thank you to someone

Step 5…Keep learning
Enhance your self-esteem: Sign up for a virtual class or simply put your feet up and read a book or listen to a podcast

To find out more about our winning ways to wellbeing or if you need any additional support from a fantastic range of local and national organisations, visit our mental health and wellbeing page.