As the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Officer for Public Health, a big part of my working life is spent out in the community. I have the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life and working alongside different organisations, businesses, sports clubs and community groups.
Mental health is as important as physical health. And just as we think about looking after our bodies, it’s important that we think about looking after our minds too.
For me, looking after my mental wellbeing isn’t about doing one big thing. It’s about the small things I can build into everyday life that help me feel connected, active and positive.
So, this World Mental Health Day, I wanted to share five things that support my own wellbeing and hopefully encourage you to think about what works for you too.
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Connect: Making time for the people around us is really important to me.
Whether it’s catching up with friends, spending time with family, having a chat with someone over a cuppa, or simply checking in with someone, those connections can make a real difference.
Life can get busy, and it can be easy to say, “I’ll catch up with them another time.” But making time for the people who matter to us can help us feel supported, valued and connected.
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Be Active: Being active is another important part of my wellbeing.
One of my favourite things to do is go for a walk, particularly along the canal. I love listening to music or a podcast whilst I walk, get fresh air and have a little time to myself.
It doesn’t have to be a big workout or a complicated exercise routine. Sometimes a walk around the block, getting outside for some fresh air or doing something you genuinely enjoy can be enough to help you reset.
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Take Notice: Sometimes we just need to pause.
We can spend so much of our time thinking about what we need to do next that we forget to notice what is happening around us right now.
Taking five minutes to stop and look around you, notice your surroundings, take a few deep breaths or try a simple mindfulness activity can give your mind a little space.
For me, taking notice can also mean getting stuck into a good book. I can switch off from everything else for a while and focus on the story in front of me.
If getting outside helps you to pause and take notice, Leicestershire’s country parks are a great place for fresh air, green spaces and inspiration.
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Keep Learning: I think learning something new is brilliant for our wellbeing.
Recently, I’ve learnt how to play netball again – and I’m really enjoying it!
Not only am I learning a new skill, but I’m also being active, spending time with other people and making new friends. It’s a great example of how one activity can support our wellbeing in lots of different ways.
And learning doesn’t have to mean going back to school or completing a qualification. It could be trying a new hobby, learning a new skill, picking up a book, trying a new recipe or simply being curious about something you’ve always wanted to know more about.
If you’re looking for inspiration, GoLearn! Leicestershire offers a wide range of learning opportunities for adults across the county.
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Give: Giving to others and being part of my community is something I really value.
I’m the Safeguarding Officer for my local cricket club, where my husband and son play. I really enjoy being part of the club and being able to give something back to a community that means a lot to my family.
Giving doesn’t have to mean volunteering for a formal role. It could be helping someone out, checking in on a friend, sharing your time or simply doing something kind for someone else.
Sometimes those small acts can make a difference not only to someone else, but to how we feel too.
So, what are your five?
The five things I've shared are the habits and activities that help me look after my wellbeing, but everyone's different.
This World Mental Health Day, I'd encourage you to take a moment to think about the things that help you feel well.
Perhaps it's meeting a friend for a coffee in your local town, walking through one of Leicestershire's green spaces, supporting a local community group, learning something new or simply taking a few minutes for yourself at the end of a busy day.
You don't need to make big changes or try to do all five things every day. Looking after our mental health isn't about being happy all the time. We all experience challenges, stress and difficult days. What matters is finding the things that help you feel connected, supported and resilient, and making space for them whenever you can.
This World Mental Health Day, take a few moments to think about your own five. They may seem like small everyday habits, but over time they can make a real difference to your wellbeing.
After all, mental health is something that is important for all of us. And here in Leicestershire, there are people, places and communities all around us that can help us look after it.
If you or someone you know needs support with their mental health, help is available. Find information, advice and local mental health support services on our website. If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select option 2. If there is an immediate threat to life, call 999.