The 5 Ways to Wellbeing
Connect
Maintaining relationships with people you trust is important for your mental wellbeing. Here are some ideas for you to consider, to help you stay connected:
- Talk to someone on the phone or face to face, instead of texting or messaging them
- Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you
- Tell your family or friend something about your day
- Join a peer support group in Somerset
Be active
Being active makes us feel happy! It releases chemicals in our brain which make us feel good. Here are some things you could do to move your body:
- Taking the stairs instead of the lift or walk the last part of your bus journey
- Visit Get Outside in Somerset to explore activities available in Somerset
- Follow a stretching routine, yoga or seated exercises – there are lots of free follow along routines available on YouTube
- Join a local sports club – a directory of clubs in Somerset can be found on Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership website
- Join and local gardening group
Take notice
There are different ways to that you can take notice, this may be taking notice of your surroundings or taking notice of yourself by listening to how you are feeling and being kind to yourself. This can be called ‘mindfulness’. Some ways people practice these are to:
- Arts and crafts, such as drawing, painting, collage, sewing, craft kits or upcycling
- Focus on how you’re feeling in the moment
- Try meditating – apps such as Calm and Headspace are useful tools for this or you watch Mindful meditation on YouTube
- Have flowers or potted plants in your home.
- Look for the signs of the change of the seasons outside, leaves on the ground, daffodils, or blossom on the trees.
- Have a look at the things to do from Somerset Wildlife Trust
Give
Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community, can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you. There are many ways you can give, whether it be through your time, words, presence. Some practical things you can do are:
- Thank someone – a shop assistant, a colleague, friend or family member
- Volunteering is a great way to help the people around you and to connect with others. There are lots of different volunteering opportunities in Somerset – you can search for what is available here on Volunteer in your community page
- Ringing or writing to a friend, family member or neighbour who may be feeling particularly lonely and isolated
- Spring clean cupboards and drawers and donate unwanted items to your chosen charity
- Sign up to be a Time to Connect Champion
Keep Learning
Try new experiences or visit different places, learn about people and things around you by asking people questions.
- Enjoy Somerset Libraries online resources including free downloadable books, audiobooks and even magazines, or visit one of our libraries to see what’s on offer
- FutureLearn and OpenLearn have free online courses you could try.
- Listen to a podcast or watch a video to learn something new and boost your wellbeing. The Mental Health Foundation have some great content.
- Head fit – designed specifically for the Defence community, provides 24/7 access to self-help tools that can enhance mood, drive and confidence, and help Defence people manage the stresses of everyday life.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
The Little Book of Health and Wellbeing is a practical guide for everyday wellbeing. You can use this book to look at your lifestyle choices and coping mechanisms, to improve your overall wellbeing.
Lifehacks is a quick reference guide developed by young people in Somerset including information on how to help manage your own mental health and how to help friends when they’re struggling too.
Every Mind Matters is a national self-help service with expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing and discover what works for you. Complete ‘Your Mind Plan’: Answer 5 quick questions to get your free plan with tips to help you deal with stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, boost your mood and feel more in control.
Local programmes delivered in Partnership with Public Health – Somerset Council to promote your wellbeing
Somerset Council, Public Health Team delivers a programme of free mental health and wellbeing activities focusing on developing emotional resilience, purpose, and participation. Please feel free to browse and join in.
Reading Well – Books on Prescription
Reading Well is a national scheme delivered locally by Public Health and Library Services, it supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing through reading. The books are all chosen and endorsed by health experts, as well as by people living with the conditions covered. Each library in Somerset has access to the Reading Well books for adults and young people.
Shared Reading Groups
A group of people, one of them a trained Reader Leader, reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. The group stop and talk about what they have read. There is no need for group members to read aloud or speak – it’s fine to just listen. Reading the literature aloud, means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. Group members are encouraged by the Reader Leader to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading providing a unique experience that helps people to connect and feel good. Contact your local library or telephone The Reader Organisation on 0151 729 2200.
More details are available on Find a group – The Reader
Wellbeing Zones
Somerset Library service has dedicated space in both Taunton and Yeovil Library for a Wellbeing Zone. They have been specially designed to be comfortable, welcoming and safe, with expert health information and a collection of health-related books. There will also be free space for health and wellbeing organisations to host health-related activities and events. Please ask the information desk in Taunton and Yeovil Library for more information.
Time to Connect Hub
Time to Connect (formerly Time to Change) Somerset is a countywide hub made up of local organisations and individuals passionate to end mental health stigma and discrimination. Our ambition is for Somerset to become a county where everyone feels safe speaking out about mental health issues and where people can secure the support they need when they need it.
If you would like to sign up as a Champion, and take part as much or as little as you like, please contact – timetoconnect@mindinsomerset.org.uk.