Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. Your mental wellbeing can affect how you think, feel, and cope with everyday life. At times, everyone may feel stressed, anxious, or low. However, there are practical steps you can take to support your mental health and improve your wellbeing.
This page provides advice on looking after your mental health, including self-care tips, talking therapies, and when to seek additional support.
Simple steps to support your mental wellbeing
It can help to start small. Choose one action that feels realistic, try it for a week, and then build from there.
When stress builds up, your body can stay in “high alert”. Even brief pauses can help.
You could try:
- stepping away from screens for a few minutes
- taking a short walk outside
- doing a 60-second breathing exercise
- stretching your shoulders, neck, and jaw
Sleep and mental health affect each other. Improving sleep often helps you feel more resilient.
To support sleep, you can:
- keep a regular wake-up time where possible
- reduce caffeine later in the day
- create a wind-down routine (for example, reading or a warm shower)
- keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfortable
NHS Every Mind Matters also offers sleep advice and practical tips.
Low mood can make everything feel harder. Routine and connection can help you regain momentum.
If it feels manageable, try:
- reducing alcohol, which can worsen mood over time
- keeping a simple daily routine (meals, washing, getting dressed)
- doing one enjoyable activity each day
- speaking to someone you trust
Physical activity supports mental wellbeing. It does not need to be intense to help.
For example, you could:
- take a short daily walk
- try gentle stretching
- do a short exercise video at home
- choose an activity you enjoy, such as gardening
Every Mind Matters includes advice on being active for mental health.
Use NHS Every Mind Matters for personalised support
NHS Every Mind Matters provides simple, practical support for common concerns such as stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep. It also offers a free online tool that creates a personalised plan based on a short set of questions (often called a “Mind Plan”).
Visit NHS Every Mind Matters websiteWhen to get help with your mental health
Self-care and resources such as NHS Every Mind Matters can help support your mental wellbeing. However, additional support may help if your symptoms persist or begin to affect your daily life.
You should consider seeking support if:
- you feel low, anxious, or overwhelmed most days
- your mental health affects your work, relationships, or daily activities
- your sleep, appetite, or energy levels change significantly
- you lose interest in activities you usually enjoy
- you feel unable to cope or things feel increasingly difficult
Support is available, and you do not need to manage these feelings alone.
Access adult mental health services in EssexYou can also speak to your GP practice, who can discuss your concerns and help you access appropriate support, including talking therapies or specialist services.
If you need urgent help, use NHS urgent mental health support options or call 999 in an emergency.