Healthy Lifestyle

 It’s important to remember: our physical health affects

our mental health, and vice versa.

What we do to our bodies makes

a big difference to how we feel.

Physical activity, diet, alcohol, smoking and drugs can

all affect our mental health and wellbeing in different ways.

So, let’s talk about them.

Physical activity releases feel-good hormones

called endorphins, which help us sleep and feel better.

It also improves our physical fitness, which tends

to make people feel better in general.

Even small amounts of regular physical activity,

can improve your mental wellbeing - especially if it’s

doing something you enjoy. Physical activity is even

a recommended treatment for some types of depression.

You can get active

at your own pace, in your own way.

There’s no need to join a gym or

even spend any money. Simple, small changes

in our day-to-day can make all the difference.

Taking a
brisk walk at lunchtime or walking

to get where we’re going, getting active in

the garden, or cycling once or twice a week

are great options.

If there is a type of activity you used

to enjoy, think about how you could pick

it up again. For example, there are lots

of groups in local areas open to all

levels of ability.

What’s more, studies show that time in green spaces

is beneficial, so head to your local park

if you can!

If you need a little help fitting more

physical activity into your day, try the Active 10 app

It helps you get short bursts of brisk

walking into your day.

There’s also the fantastic Couch to 5K app,

which will get you up and running in just 9 weeks!

Eating better can play a big role in

our health and wellbeing.

It won’t come as a surprise to learn

that what we eat, and how much, plays

a big part in our physical health – which

can impact our mental health too.

Ideally, we should aim to eat a healthy balanced diet,

with plenty of fruit and veg.

It’s important to keep an eye on your calories,

and minimise foods that are high in

sugar, fat and salt.

For helpful tips on eating a better diet, check

out the One You website.

Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and even drugs may seem

tempting when we’re stressed or tired.

And, when we use them to try and cope

the idea of stopping them can feel like

it would make things even harder.

But they can cause more problems than they

solve, especially long-term.

All these habits can complicate our sleep patterns,

and affect how anxious and depressed we feel.

So try cutting down (or even quitting).

And remember that there’s support available.

Alcohol in particular can worsen our moods, so

cutting down can really help us feel better.

For more help cutting down, you can download the

Drink Free Days app.

And for help cutting back on drugs visit

the talk to frank website

As for cigarettes, stopping smoking is one of

the best things you can do for your

body and your brain. You’ll breathe easier,

feel better, and save money!

for advice and support on quitting

Whatever you choose to do

what’s good for your body is good for your mind.