Men In Mind

Mental Fitness: Taking Charge of Your Mental Health

Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness, what is good for the heart is good for the mind. There are simple things we can do to look after our mental well-being and prevent suicide. By making small, positive changes in your lifestyle, you can significantly improve your mental health:

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a powerful tool for boosting mood and reducing stress. Whether it’s a daily walk, gym sessions, gardening or playing sports, staying active keeps your mind healthy.

Top Tips:

1. Have a reminder to keep you active, for example keeping an active kit out ready to be used.
2. Set reminders on your phone or add them to your calendar.
3. Do something you like, the best way to get active is to do something you enjoy
4. Start small and build up, any amount of physical activity is better than none. Get started with FREE NHS approved apps such as Couch to 5K and Active 10 (Download here: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/)
5. Make being active fun, by listening to a podcast or walking with a friend.

To get active and more information visit:

• Bucks Online Directory for local activities and services in your area
• Simply Walks Join one of 60 walks across Buckinghamshire
• Better Points App You can earn rewards for keeping active by downloading the free app

• Stay Connected: Regular contact with family, friends and community provides essential support.
• We can reduce loneliness and increase our social network through participation in social activities such as joining group activities or volunteering. There are also local campaigns that aim to address this stigma that you can support.

• Manage Stress: See if you can break down those bigger tasks into smaller, more achievable steps. This helps to take the pressure off.
  • Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies is an NHS service. It offers quick and easy access to talking therapies, practical support and employment advice for common mental health problems such as low mood, worry, stress.
    You can self-refer by:
    Telephoning 01865 901600
    Texting “TALK” and your name to 07798 667169
    Visiting their website
    The website also provides access to a range of on-line evidence-based self-help resources.
  • The Love Exploring app can be used to explore your local park or green space through games and trails and is great for families and friends to get outdoors together.

• Seek Help: Don’t put it off! You are not alone, reach out to your GP, or contact Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies directly, for free and confidential support.
  • Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies is an NHS service. It offers quick and easy access to talking therapies, practical support and employment advice for common mental health problems such as low mood, worry, stress.
    You can self-refer by:
    Telephoning 01865 901600
    Texting “TALK” and your name to 07798 667169
    Visiting their website
    The website also provides access to a range of on-line evidence-based self-help resources.
  • Bucks MIND provides community-based support, peer-to-peer support, befriending and counselling services.
    Telephone: 01494 463364 (Monday to Friday: 8:30 – 16:00)
    Email: info@bucksmind.org.uk

• Address any money worries: Don’t put your head in the sand, there are always options.
  • The Citizens Advice Bureau offers advice and services for financial support.
  • The Helping Hands team are available to help individuals or families in need, those on low incomes and those experiencing a financial emergency or crisis.
    Telephone: 01296 531 151
    Out of Hours Emergency: 0800 999 7677
    This is a FREE and confidential service

• Take care of your heart health: Checking your blood pressure regularly is important for knowing how healthy your heart is, and you can see what’s happening over time. You can do this by checking your blood pressure regularly.
  • Pump It Up and check your blood pressure for FREE at one of the Health Kiosks, Pressure Stations or borrow a Pump It Up loan kit from selected libraries. For locations visit: Pump It Up Locations
  • Book a FREE NHS Health Check. The NHS Health Check is a vital preventative measure designed to assess your overall health and identify any potential risks early on. You can book this at your GP practice or book with Be Healthy Bucks. You can also text Be Healthy Bucks ‘Check’ to 60777.

• Limit Substances to Addressing Drug and Alcohol Use: Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use, which can make us feel worse.
  • Be Healthy Bucks offers FREE support to help you reduce or stopping your alcohol use.
  • One Recovery Bucks Offers FREE and confidential to residents of Buckinghamshire aged 18 and over affected by their use of alcohol. You can self-refer here: One Recovery Bucks Referral

• Notice the small things Reflect on a few things each day you're grateful for to maintain a positive mindset.
  • Mindful breathing exercise Every Mind Matters has a Free online video to help you practice mindfulness with lots of practical tips and guidance on their webpage, https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
  • The Love Exploring FREE app, offers mindfulness walks across Buckinghamshire at selected parks.

Taking small steps to improve your mental fitness today can lead to large strides in your overall health and happiness.