Helpful ideas for coping and self-care

Arts and creative therapies

Arts and creative therapies are treatments which involve using arts-based activities in a therapeutic environment, with the support of a trained professional. You don't need to have done these activities before or have any particular skills or knowledge.

Carers, friends and family - coping and support

Supporting someone else is sometimes called caring. You are a carer if you provide (unpaid) support and care for someone who has an illness, disability, mental health problem or addiction. People often assume that carers tend to be women but research shows that around four in 10 carers are men.

Food and mood

Knowing what foods we should and shouldn’t be eating can be really confusing, especially when it feels like the advice changes regularly. However, evidence suggests that as well as affecting our physical health, what we eat may also affect the way we feel.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves making a special effort to notice what's happening in the present moment (in your mind, body and surroundings) without judging anything. It has roots in Buddhism and meditation, but you don't have to be spiritual or have any particular beliefs, to try it.

Nature and mental health

Spending time in green space or bringing nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical well-being. For example, doing things like growing food or flowers, exercising outdoors or being around animals can have many positive effects.

Relaxation

Exploring relaxation can help you look after yourself when you're feeling stressed or worried. Have a look at these tips and ideas to see how relaxation can fit into your daily life. Don't worry if some ideas don't work for you – just enjoy the ones that do.