How to improve your mental wellbeing | Dealer Support

Find ways to relax

If there is something that helps you relax, try to find time to fit it into your day; For example, this could be taking a bath or going for a walk. If you find it difficult to switch off, you can try some of the tips and exercises in our relaxation pages

Take a break if you need it

If you feel overwhelmed by a stressful situation, try to take a break. A change of scenery can help you relax and relieve anxious feelings, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

do something you enjoy

Try to make time to do an activity you enjoy on a regular basis; this could be something small, like cooking a meal, calling a friend, or listening to music.

try to manage stress

If you are under a lot of pressure, you may start to feel overwhelmed or out of control. Stress can also cause physical side effects. See our pages on stress for tips on coping with pressure and coping with stressful events.

try mindfulness

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment, using techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga. It has been shown to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This means that instead of being overwhelmed by your feelings, it becomes easier to deal with them. See our pages on awareness for more information, including some exercises to try.

Give yourself some technology-free time

If you find that spending too much time on your phone or computer makes you feel busier and more stressed, try taking a break, even if it’s just for an hour or two. If you find this difficult, try placing your phone in another room or setting an alarm to time yourself.

Find ways to learn and be creative

Doing something creative can help take your mind off difficult thoughts or feelings, or help you process them. It can also be rewarding. You could try doing something like drawing, playing a musical instrument, or baking. Try not to worry about the finished product, just focus on enjoying it.

Join a class or group

Learning a new skill in a group can be enjoyable and can help boost your confidence. To find out what’s in your area, contact your local mindLook for the Directory of the National Alliance for the Arts in Health and Wellnessor ask at your local library or community center.

spend time in nature

Spending time outdoors in nature can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anger. our information about nature and mental health has more information about the benefits and lots of ideas you could try.

Bring nature indoors

This can give you the benefits of nature without having to go to a public park or garden. You can buy flowers, potted plants, or seeds to grow on your windowsill, or you can collect natural materials from outside, such as leaves, flowers, and feathers, and use them to decorate your living space.

spend time with animals

Many people find being with animals relaxing and enjoyable. You could try pet sitting or dog walking, feeding birds from your window, or visiting a local community farm.

Try a mindfulness exercise in nature

Pay attention to your surroundings and find things to see, hear, taste, smell and touch. See our information on taking a mindful moment in nature to get ideas you could try.

connect with others

Connecting with others can help us feel a greater sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. Opening up to a trusted friend or family member can help you feel heard and supported. Sometimes just acknowledging your feelings by saying them out loud can also help. If you find things difficult, talking to people who have similar feelings or experiences can help; this could be face to face in a peer support group or online community like Mind’s Side to side. See our pages on peer support To discover more.

Voluntary

Using your time to help others can give you a sense of purpose, help you meet people, and boost your self-esteem. Watch the Do it website for volunteer opportunities.

take care of your physical health

drink water regularly

Drinking enough water is important for your mental and physical health. The NHS has more information on water, drinks and your health.

think about your diet

There is plenty of advice on how eating or avoiding certain foods can affect your mental health. Not all of this is backed by strong evidence, but we do know that eating regular meals and a healthy, balanced diet can improve your mood and energy levels. The NHS has useful information on how to maintain a balanced diet.

If you have a difficult relationship with food and eating, our pages on feeding problems They have information and tips that can help.

take care of yourself

Basic personal care, like brushing your teeth or taking a shower, is important to your physical health and can help you feel better. If you’re struggling, try setting small goals for yourself, like getting up and washing your face.

Try to avoid drugs and alcohol.

You may feel like using drugs or alcohol to deal with any difficult feelings, but they can make you feel worse in the long run. See our pages on recreational drugs and alcohol To discover more.

try to stay active

Try to include physical activity in your daily routine, if possible. It doesn’t have to be anything big, like running a marathon; If you’re not used to being active, start small and try to find something you enjoy.

try to get enough sleep

Try to establish a routine around bedtime to help establish a regular sleep pattern. Give yourself some tech-free time before bed and avoid bright screens that can affect your sleep.

Try to relax before bed

Do a relaxing activity, like taking a bath, or try a relaxation exercise before you go to sleep. It may also help to avoid drinking caffeine before bed, as this can keep you awake.

Try to make your sleeping environment comfortable.

A comfortable sleeping environment can help improve your sleep. Small changes can help; for example, you may sleep better in dim lighting or with different bedding.