Improving my wellbeing and mental health
Although many things that affect mental health and wellbeing can feel out of control, people do have strengths, skills, and knowledge that they can use to improve and maintain their mental health wellbeing.
By doing things that build up our wellbeing and resilience, people can feel more equipped to handle stress and difficulties. Addressing issues early on can also help stop us from feeling worse.
Activities that can improve wellbeing
The things we do every day have a big impact on how we feel and think. There is guidance for Londoners about improving wellbeing through daily activities in 36 languages.
We can think about the Five Ways to Wellbeing as a set of activities that we can do regularly to improve upon our wellbeing, based on research evidence:
- Connect with others - calling instead of texting or emailing, meeting new people, listening actively, spending time with loved ones
- Be active - go for a walk, try an exercise class, play sports, dance, yoga, running
- Take notice - meditate, pray, mindfulness, yoga, enjoying the moment and being curious and aware of the world around you
- Keep learning - learn how to cook something new, work on a DIY project, use a free online video tutorial, try a free course or new hobbies and skills, reading, listening to podcasts
- Give - volunteering, spending time with someone who needs support, offering to help with a project, asking someone how they are and really listening.
We can add these wellbeing activities into our lives by planning them into our weekly schedule and doing them with other people.
Find out what’s on in Tower Hamlets via our Events calendar or learn more about local leisure and culture activities that match your interests.
Self-help tools
There are also free self-help activities that people in Tower Hamlets can use to address issues with mental health and wellbeing they are experiencing.
Good Thinking
The Good Thinking website has a range of resources to help Londoners improve their mental wellbeing, including topics like sleep, anxiety, low mood and stress.
The resources include free NHS-approved apps, self-assessments, workbooks, articles, blogs, podcasts, and videos. All the apps have been independently assessed.
NHS website
The NHS website also has free self-help activities people can use to help with low-level mental health issues including guides and tools or tips and support.
Every Mind Matters
The NHS Every Mind Matters website has resources, tips and tools as well as information about how to support other people.
Daily support for mental health
National organisations like Mind and the Mental Health Foundation also have resources for looking after mental health and wellbeing on a daily basis.
Wellbeing Webinars
Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies have hosted online webinars about a range of topics related to mental health and wellbeing which are now available on their website.
Tower Hamlets Recovery College
Tower Hamlets Recovery College provides courses that cover a range of areas that might support recovery, including:
- tools and strategies to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences
- education about mental and physical health
- helpful tips on practical life skills
- how to get involved in study and work opportunities.