Five steps to boost your mind and body

Help is on hand for anyone in Croydon who needs support to feel happier and to better cope with problems and concerns that are making them feel stressed or worried.

During Mental Health Awareness Week 13-19 May, Croydon Council is highlighting the five practical steps on its health website to boost your mental health and wellbeing – www.justbecroydon.org/be-happy/quick-tips/

People can also drop-in to one of our Live Well health hubs to speak to an advisor about what is making them feel down and be supported to enjoy life more.

Around one in six adults experiences a common mental health problem at any one time. Feeling lonely or isolated, bereavement, being unemployed, or unhappy with your body image, which is the theme for the week this year, all can negatively impact on a person’s mental wellbeing.

The five ways to maintaining good mental health and wellbeing on the JustBe Croydon website are:

1. Keeping in touch with people to help you through tough times, as well as having someone to share the good times with.

2. Taking part in simple activities to get you moving more, like walking or cycling, or socialising in a group activity like football or a fitness class, which will help you to get out in the fresh air and clear your mind.

3. Learning new things, from a new hobby to professional self-development can keep your mind and body stimulated. Check out CALAT – Croydon’s adult learning and training centre, for ideas to get you started www.calat.ac.uk

4. Give more to others through volunteering or joining a community group will give you that feel good factor as a small act of kindness can go a long way. Contact Croydon Voluntary Action for local opportunities to get involved.

5. Take notice of what’s around you, your thoughts and how you feel can help you to maintain positive wellbeing. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings in one of the borough’s 127 parks and open spaces.

Croydon Talking Therapies also offers a free NHS service helping people to speak about current difficulties they are facing. Visit the website for more information.

“We can all take steps to improve our mental health and I encourage everyone to check out the support available in Croydon through the JustBe Croydon website and Talking Therapies service. Improving the health of people with mental health problems is a council priority and we are determined to raise awareness of mental ill health in our communities in Croydon.”

Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care

2019-05-09T15:49:47+01:00 May 9th, 2019|Recent news|