How to look after your mental health without spending a fortune
Many people have seen their mental health suffer as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
However, accessing help may be difficult, with often long waiting times, and paying for support is out of reach for many people.
In the UK more than 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time. Meanwhile, research by the Health and Safety Executive found that, of the people suffering from a work-related illness in Britain, more than 800,000 were reporting signs of work-related stress, depression or anxiety.
Dr Zoe Watson, a GP who runs Wellgood Wellbeing, a social enterprise health platform, believes good mental wellbeing comes down to three basic elements: looking after and connecting to your body, connecting to other humans, and connecting to the world around you, such as nature.
Exercise can help clear your thoughts and make you feel more tired at the end of the day, so you should sleep better.
Rosaria Barreto is the founder of Vitality Hub, which works with older people with a variety of health conditions. She says: “Stimulating your eyes and brain while surrounding yourself with nature’s beauty immediately boosts your mood. Breathing in fresh air can also boost your mood, reduce anxiety and worry. The social element to walking has a significant impact on loneliness and can encourage and promote stronger feelings of self-purpose and self-value.”
Check your council’s website or search for “wellness walks” or “wellbeing walks” for groups to join near you.
If you are a little more adventurous, Watson suggests wild swimming.
“It’s bonkers, life-affirming, joyous and freeing. It shocks you into being aware of your body, and you meet other people who are similarly bonkers along the way.
Read more on theguardian.com
