Positive Steps to Wellbeing

SEEK LIFT - updated version of this page here

Be Kind to Yourself
Encourage rather than criticise yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend in the same situation.

Exercise Regularly
Being active lifts our mood, reduces stress and anxiety, improves our physical health, and gives us more energy.

Get outside, preferably in a green space or near water. Nature as Therapy Find an activity you enjoy doing, and just do it.

Take up a Hobby or learn a new Skill
Increase your confidence and interest, meet others, or prepare for finding work.

Plan Fun and Creativity

Having fun or being creative helps us feel better and increases confidence.

Enjoy yourself!

Help Others

Get involved with a community project, charity work, or simply help out someone you know.

As well as benefiting others, you'll be doing something worthwhile which will help you feel better about yourself.

Relax
Make time for yourself. Allow yourself chill time. Find something that suits you - different things work for different people.

Breathe...... imagine a balloon in your belly, inflating and deflating as you breathe in and out.

Eat Healthily
Eat regularly, eat breakfast, eat healthily, eat fruit and vegetables, drink water.

Balance Sleep
Get into a healthy sleep routine - including going to bed and getting up at the same time each day.

Connect with Others
Stay in touch with family and friends - make regular and frequent contact.

Beware of Drink and Drugs
Avoid using alcohol or non-prescribed drugs to help you cope. It will only add to your problems.

See the Bigger Picture

We all see situations differently from our own point of view and give different meanings. Broaden out your perspective and consider the bigger picture - The Helicopter View.

What meaning am I giving this situation?
Is this fact or opinion?
How would others see this situation?
What is another way of looking at this?
How important is it, right now - or how important will it be in 6 months time?
What can I do right now that will help most?

It is as it is
We tend to fight against distressing thoughts and feelings, but we can learn to just notice them and give up that struggle. Those thoughts are like the weather in our heads - they can come, and they can go. We don't have to believe and grab on to each thought.

Some situations we just can't change.