12 Days of wellbeing

On the fourth day of Christmas...call your loved ones. At this time of year, it's important to make time for your personal wellbeing. So, here are 12 tips for looking after your health and wellbeing during the winter months.

12 healthy habits

Whether it's a push-up every morning or 1 minute of mindfulness before bed, building healthy habits into your routine doesn't need to be a big palaver. A habit typically takes 21 days to form, so small changes to your lifestyle can soon build up. Before you know it, you'll be noticing big improvements to your physical and mental wellbeing.

11 toe-tapping tunes

Dancing to your favourite song is the ultimate feel-good exercise. Busting your best moves with a whole load of enthusiasm not only benefits your physical health, but is an instant mood-booster, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. So, build your dream playlist, get up on your feet and embrace the music!

10 positive affirmations

"I am full of energy and optimism. Today will be my day. I am proud of myself." Since our thoughts play a big part in determining our mood, saying affirmations like these out-loud and on a regular basis can improve your mindset and increase feelings of self-worth.

9 minutes of meditation

It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much. Paying more attention to the present moment - your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around - even for just a few minutes a day, can improve your mental wellbeing.

8 hours of sleep

For adults, the recommended amount of sleep is around eight hours. Sleep allows our bodies to repair themselves and our memories to be processed. Poor sleep can also be linked to physical problems such as a weakened immune system, so getting adequate shuteye and into a regular sleep pattern is key to your overall wellbeing.

7 wintery walks

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more active, become healthier and reduce stress. It may be cold outside but that's no excuse to stay indoors. Whether it's a stroll in the park, a saunter through town or blustery beach walk, getting moving out in the open air.

6 acts of kindness

Whether it's leaving a thoughtful note for friends of family or volunteering in the local community, when a person gives or receives kindness, both individuals involved experience a release of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters.

5 ways to wellbeing

We're encouraged to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day to take care of our physical health, but what about our mental health? Research has found that there are five ways to wellbeing: connect; be active; take notice; keep learning; and give. Find out more.

4 calls to loved ones

There's nothing better than catching up with someone face-to-face. But that's not always possible. Give them a call, drop them a note or chat to them online instead. Keep the lines of communication open. It's good for you!

3 comfort shows

When the time comes to unwind, nothing is better than a beloved TV programme. Watching (and re-watching) your favourite movies and shows can actually be good for your mental health, helping you relax, calm down and avoid negative thoughts for a while. Although, bear in mind that watching too much TV could become problematic.

2 swabs up noses

Regular testing not only protects your own health and wellbeing, but those around you. If you're travelling home in the next few weeks, you are expected to get tested for COVID-19 before you leave Falmouth. You should do this by taking two LFD tests (and reporting the results) three days apart. If you do test positive for COVID-19, the Rapid Response Team can offer advice and support you where necessary.

And a nice, big, long deep breath...

Don't underestimate the power of a long, deep breath. When you breathe deeply, it sends a message to your brain to calm down and relax. Breathing exercises are easy to learn. You can do them whenever you want, and you don't need any special tools or equipment to do them.

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