Why Wellness Walks support your mental wellbeing

Mental wellbeing

Feeling mentally healthy means we feel positive, in control and able to cope in most everyday situations. 

What can affect our mental health?

We might be experiencing mental health problems if a lot of the time we feel:

• nervous
• anxious
• stressed
• depressed
• unable to cope with day-to-day things like deadlines, meetings or going shopping

It's not uncommon to feel like this, and there are lots of ways to get help. You could talk to loved ones, your GP or contact organisations like Mind. 

Trying new things

Our emotional reaction to the world, and the people and events around us makes us feel the way we do. Starting to think about the mental health can be a great start to living a more balanced life. There are tips and techniques we can use to feel more:

• positive
• relaxed
• in control

Regardless of the situation, we want to be empowered to respond the way we want to, to our surroundings.

Switching off can be one of the most important things. The internet and smartphones mean its hard to give ourselves real space, but not impossible. So whatever you decide to try, if it doesn't need a screen, make sure you put your phone away and focus solely on your activity. Whether it's in the office, at home or outside, a few minutes can make a real difference.

• focus on your breathing in a quiet place
• join a yoga class
• swap social media for a meditation app like HeadSpace
• create a JustGiving page and feel the benefits of philanthropy
• read a book before bed so you can get an earlier night
• spend 15 minutes walking with calming music or a podcast

Being in nature can give our emotions a huge boost, so signing up to a Wellness Walk can make a real difference too. But there's no need to wait until then. Start walking when you feel you need to give some time to your mental wellbeing and if you can, get out to a natural setting to give yourself some real space from the pressures we all face day to day.

Diabetes and mental wellbeing

Diabetes can affect someone's mental wellbeing as well as their physical health. The condition can leave people feeling isolated, anxious, depressed or burnt out. It can put a huge strain on someone's ability to cope, their relationships and quality of life. We've got lots of information about diabetes and your emotions and links to local support groups.