Welcome to the Bolton Think Positive web site. Hope you're well
Mental health is different and distinct from the absence of mental illness, and is something that we all need to cherish and protect because it has multiple benefits for ourselves, for other people and for our communities.
Good mental health can improve our physical health and protect us from things like coronary heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
Completely mentally healthy adults...
- Are more able to have enjoyable relationships
- Take less time off work
- Are more able to enjoy life and survive pain, disappointment and sadness
- Are less inclined to feel helpless, and more likely to have clear goals in life
- Have the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease
- have less chronic physical diseases as they get older
- Are less likely to be limited by health problems or need to access health services
(Corey Keyes007)
There are many things we can do every day to improve mental health for ourselves and others some are listed below.
Today I will: eat healthily
Eating nutritious food is one of the best ways of staying healthy and avoiding disease. Food affects how we feel, think and behave and may influence a number of conditions including depression.
Here are some tips for a healthy diet:
- Try to eat 5 portions of fruit or vegetables a day
- Cut down on fat, salt and sugar
- Allow yourself treats, just have less often
- Eat regular meals throughout the day
- Eat a wide variety of food to keep your diet interesting and to obtain the nutrition you need
Eat Well, be well Food Standards Agency web site
How can I eat healthily at home? NHS Choices web site
Today I will: try to learn new things
Taking the time to learn new things throughout life reduces risk of depression, is associated with a wide range of mental health benefits and can contribute to the adoption of healthy behaviors.
Finding opportunities to learn:
- Learn to drive
- Join a library
- Learn a new recipe
- Join a dance class
- consider studying a course
Bolton Community College web site
Today I will: take some time to relax
Find the best ways for you to relax and to wind down are important tools for beating stress and promoting positive mental health.
Here are some examples of how to fit this into your daily routine.
- Listen to your favourite music
- take a long soak in the bath
- Take a walk in the park
- Ask about a relaxation or meditation class
- Do some reading
Bolton Meditation Workshops web site
Country Walks & Nature Bolton Area web site
Today I will: contact someone close to me
Feeling socially supported can with stressful life events, and can help to prevent mental health problems.
If it's been a while since you made contact with old friends then now's the time to get in touch.
There are many ways you can make contact with old friends if you have lost touch:
- Organise a school reunion
- Join a social networking web site
- Go out for coffee with friends
- Invite someone to take up a new hobby with you
Facebook social utility that connects people with friends
Today I will: enjoy nature
Nature makes us feel good and taking time to appreciate green space can help improve health in many ways. Getting closer to natural environments can be provide opportunities to relax from stress do some exercise and socialise.
- There are many ways to enjoy natural environments:
- Go for a walk in the park
- Visit a nature reserve
- Choose routes that favour country roads when driving
- Go fishing
- Take a trip to the beach
Bolton Conservation Volunteers
Country Walks & Nature Bolton Area web site
Today I will: explore my spiritual side
Regular engagements in spiritual activity is related to happiness, life satisfaction, positive emotion and reduced risk of depressive symptoms.
There are many ways to explore your spiritual side:
- Meditation and prayer
- Deep reflection, contemplation
- Yoga and Tai Chi
- Enjoy nature
Yoga courses at Bolton Community College, Bolton
Samatha Buddhist Meditation in Bolton
Today I will: ask for help
Asking for help when things are tough dose not mean you are weak. It is very important to recognise when things are getting serious and your mental health is low, especially when it interferes with your ability to cope on a day-to-day basis. Mental health problems range from stress and worries that all of us experience at some times in our lives.
With the right support, many people manage their mental health problems and lead fulfilling lives.
Remember: A problem shared is a problem halved.
Today I will: value myself and others
Our own self-esteem can affect our decisions and have implications for our life paths. Trusting in others is associated with better well being and lower incidence of psychological problems.
Be kind to yourself and others, and remember that what you think about you bring about:
- Value yourself and others highly
- Have a positive attitude
- Be convinced of your own abilities
- See yourself as competent, in control of your own life
- Compare yourself favourably with others
Today I will: be creative
Doing something creative and trying new ideas can be a great way to relax. Allowing people to explore their inner creative resources in a therapeutic environment can benefit people with mental health problems.
There are many ways of being creative:
- Try making greeting cards as opposed to buying them.
- Bake a cake or cook another recipe
- Write a short story or journal
- Have a sing and dance to your favorite tunes