Maintaining Positive Mental Wellbeing

Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones is so important for our mental health and wellbeing, so you might have found yourself keeping in touch virtually more than you used to.

Share your feelings, and talk to someone you trust when you feel like it's all getting a bit too much. If you'd prefer to talk to someone you don't know, call a helpline.

If you can, try to meet up with a friend or family for an outdoor walk or a picnic in the park.

For advice on using your screen time positively, visit https://mindyertime.scot/

For advice about keeping yourself safe online, visit https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Moving our bodies is essential for keeping well, so it's important to find what works for you. Even just a stretch can increase blood flow and release feel-good hormones (tip: laughing and smiling does this too!)

If you can, try heading outdoors for a walk or a jog. This is also a great way to clear your head.

There are lots of ways to keep active indoors too, find some suggestions at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/?tabname=other-fitness-plans

Want to find places in East Lothian to get active? Check out Active East Lothian | Home

Are you present in this moment? What is going on around you? What is going on with you?

We often to refer to this as mindfulness. What is it, and how do I do it? https://young.scot/get-informed/national/mindfulness-practice-techniques

Simply being friendly can not only make someone else good, but it can make you feel good too.

Trying some small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Try some suggested here.

You must also be kind to yourself. Read about why here (This also includes giving yourself enough sleep!)

Being grateful. Make a list of 5 things you are thankful for - a peer who complimented you? Someone who helped when you were stuck last week? Or chocolate?! People who engage in this regularly are less anxious, and have more fulfilling relationships (less stress in 60 seconds)

This can be anything! Is there a hobby or skill you've always fancied trying but felt you never have time? Making some time to learn something new is a great way to increase feelings of productivity and accomplishment.

Have a look through YoungScot's Learn and Grow articles for some ideas.