Health and care organisations from across Norfolk and Suffolk have joined forces to promote a new mental health campaign to encourage people to focus on their wellbeing.

Launching today, on World Mental Health Day, the ‘Take 5’ campaign will encourage people to take 5 minutes to make their emotional wellbeing a priority. 

We’re encouraged to eat at least five fruit and vegetables a day to take care of our physical health, but what about our mental health?

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing.

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing.

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing.

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving, and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body, and the world around you.

Cllr Bill Borrett, Norfolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: It is vital we learn how to look after not only our mental health but also that of our family and friends,” 

“As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, it’s important to find positive ways of looking after ourselves. We hope our ‘Take 5’ campaign will encourage people to eat well, spend time in nature, take up a new hobby and get enough sleep which can all help to nurture our wellbeing.”

A dedicated webpage has been created to bring together suggestions of how people can ‘Take 5’ to improve their emotional wellbeing www.norfolk.gov.uk/take5