Top tips for improving your mental wellbeing

19th May 2020

We're marking Mental Health Awareness Week with some top tips to help young people improve mental wellbeing.

Over a third of young people who are homeless experience mental health problems, according to Homeless Link's "Young and Homeless" report. Mental ill health can often be a causal factor in homelessness, or a young person's mental health can be adversely affected if they find themselves homeless.

When working with young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, our team at Wyre Forest Nightstop and Mediation Scheme offer holistic support which addresses the root causes of homelessness, including supporting young people with their mental health. We offer access to trained counsellors within our team, an invaluable resource for young people who are overcoming challenges and building brighter futures. This resource for improving mental health and wellbeing is particularly vital during the coronavirus pandemic which is creating more anxiety and uncertainty for so many young people.

At Nightstop, we are celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week (18th - 24th May) and its theme of "kindness". We asked Jackie, our counsellor and young person's mediator, to share her top tips for maintaining mental wellbeing.

Jackie's 8 Top Tips

  1. Routines - It's so important to have routine and structure, particularly at this time. Get creative and make yourself a simple timetable of what you are going to do and when. It makes us feel good when we say we've achieved what we set out to do.
  2. Eat Well - One way to be kind to ourselves is to eat well. We are what we eat! Sugary drinks and sweets will give us spikes in energy followed by crashes which makes us feel sluggish and often more tired.
  3. Sleep well - A good sleep routine is important at any time, and more so now whilst our days are less structured. Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day.
  4. You are not perfect - Use kind words about yourself. If you wouldn't say it to your best friend, don't say it to yourself. Remember, we learn from our mistakes and no-one is perfect.
  5. Connect with others - This will help you to feel less isolated. If you live with others, spend time with them and try not to spend all of your time in your room. Reach out to family and friends by telephone or online if you live alone.
  6. Give - Being kind and doing things for others makes us feel good. If you live with family, do something with or for them, like preparing a meal. Why not make a gift for someone? This could be a hand-made card or a knitted rainbow for their window.
  7. Exercise - Being active reduces stress, helps you sleep better and improves your overall mood. Something as simple as a brisk walk in nature can give you a positive boost.
  8. Don't overdo the news - Reduce how much information you are accessing at the moment which could cause anxiety. Limit time watching the news, or spent on social media, and be aware of "fake news".