Look after your mental wellbeing this winter

Good mental health and wellbeing are essential for living a happy and healthy life. It can help us handle stress and sleep better, make healthy choices, have more positive relationships and generally feel better. It can also help us deal with difficult times in the future.

However, the winter months can be difficult for many of us, a drop in temperature and shorter days can affect your appetite, make you feel the need to sleep for longer and make it more difficult to carry out day-to-day activities.

So, if you are feeling isolated, demotivated or stressed, don’t struggle alone. The NHS are here to support you with your mental wellbeing. Try our tips below which could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

• Regular exercise is good for your body and mind. The cold weather doesn’t mean you are stuck inside. Bundle up, go outside to take a walk and get some fresh air and necessary Vitamin D.
• Stay connected, meet up or talk to family and friends and accept invitations you get to social events even if you only go for a short period.
• A healthy diet will boost your mood and give you more energy. Balance your craving for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Looking after your mental health includes taking care of your physical health. Keep up with your regular dental visits, health checks, and any other ongoing wellness appointments.
• Practicing meditation or mindfulness for just 10 minutes a day can lift your mood. Other activities such as yoga, listening to your favourite song, or taking a quiet walk can also be beneficial.
• Poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health. Try and maintain good sleep habits like going to bed and getting up at fixed times. If you are struggling with your sleep, why not try Sleepio a leading app, backed by international research and clinically proven to help improve insomnia. Sleepio is free for Frimley Health and Care residents. To find out more visit our sleep page - Sleep | Frimley Health and Care.

Remember - your mental health is as important as your physical health. If you or someone you know is struggling, it's OK to ask for help!

Getting help early is the most important thing. You can self-refer to your local talking therapy provider who offer free and confidential support, usually online, via the phone or in person.

If you are feeling disconnected and would like to find some groups or activities that you can get involved in but are lacking the confidence to do so or don’t know where to start, contact your local social prescribers who can connect you to a variety of different services. You can contact them through your GP surgery. Get in touch online, via the phone or pop in and ask to speak to the social prescriber.

If you are concerned about heating your home or paying your bills you can contact your local council who will be able to help and advise you and don’t forget organisations like Citizens Advice are there to help with a range of issues including financial worries.

Alternatively, if you need mental health support you can use NHS 111 online or call 111.

You can find all the information you need on our website: Mental Wellbeing | Frimley Health and Care.