PEOPLE in Warwickshire are being encouraged to look after their mental health on ‘Blue Monday’.
As part of its Winter Wellbeing campaign, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and partners are sending out a series of messages today (Monday January 17) to help people look after their own and others’ mental health and wellbeing.
The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘Blue Monday’ due to cold winter weather and the festive period having ended, so has been chosen to highlight support available every day to give people a boost.
It also coincides with the Samaritans’ Brew Monday, which encourages people to connect over a cuppa and consider other ways to stay well.
Messages through the day will promote the ‘five ways to wellbeing’, which are actions which can improve overall wellbeing:
- Be active – whether it’s a walk, run, home workout or meditation, being active helps people to feel good.
- Connect – building connections can help to improve wellbeing, whether within the local community or by taking up a hobby and linking with people who share similar interests.
- Give – an act of kindness can help to improve mood and make others feel supported and cared for.
- Keep learning – learning new skills can offer a sense of achievement and confidence.
- Take notice – being aware of what is taking place in the present through sensations, thoughts and feelings can directly enhance wellbeing.
The Coventry and Warwickshire initiative, Wellbeing for Life, is a one-stop self-help resource which shows residents how they can use the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, with helpful signposting tips for support.
WCC’s adult social care and health spokesperson Coun Margaret Bell said: “Taking time to look after our health and wellbeing will provide us with tools to support ourselves throughout life’s challenges. The five ways to wellbeing is a great starting point to think about the different things we can do to help ourselves and others.
“People go through a series of feeling up and down, this is normal and to be expected. The advice offered throughout the day on Monday can be used whenever needed, whether that is today or another day.”
Coun Kamran Caan, Coventry City Council’s public health spokesperson said: “Brew Monday is an important day in the calendar and focuses on conversations having the power to change lives. Reaching out to a friend, family member or colleague, for a virtual cuppa and a chat is about checking in and staying connected to those closest to us.
“Just taking time to really listen to another person can help to end isolation in communities and bring people together, breaking down the stigma and shame that many of us feel when experiencing a mental health problem, especially during such challenging times.”
Visit @Warwickshire_CC on Twitter to follow WCC’s messages.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/winterwellness for more information to stay well this winter, and for links to services across the area.
Visit www.wellbeing4life.co.uk for more information on Coventry and Warwickshire’s Wellbeing 4 Life initiative.
Visit www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday for details about The Samaritans Brew Monday event.
