Monday 15-01-2018 - 17:20

The New Year is with us, and many of us will be thinking about New Year’s resolutions and making changes in our lives.

Whether it’s joining the gym, being better with money or finally doing that bit of coursework you’ve been putting off — and if you’re not, that is totally okay too!

So here are some tips for your New Year’s resolutions:

- The most important resolutions you can set is to be kinder to yourself. If you don’t make it to the gym or you are struggling to stick to your resolution, don’t be too hard on yourself. Making change can be tough.

- It’s okay to set yourself small and manageable goals. Everything is a step towards change.

- Here’s a great planner for self-care and setting objectives for yourself and here is a great self-compassion podcast to get you started.

 

I've also found some really great apps for your wellbeing in the new year:

To help you relax:

- Chill Panda helps you relax by measuring heart rate and suggesting breathing techniques and light exercises. Free on the App Store and Google Play

- Relax Melodies is a relaxation and sleep app that allows you to select sounds and melodies that you like and combine them to create a mix. Lay back, listen, and enjoy falling asleep. Free on the App Store and Google Play.

 

To track and manage your mental health, including stress and low-mood:

- Catch It helps you capture and understand your mood using a journal. Free on the App Store and Google Play.

- SilverCloud is an online course to help manage stress and depression. Available via NHS referral.

- Mental Health Recovery Guide (MHRG) tells you the 17 essential things you need to know to fast track your recovery from mental illness. Free on the App Store and Google Play.

- WellMind is a free NHS mental health and wellbeing app designed to help you with stress, anxiety and depression The app includes advice, tips and tools to improve your mental health and boost your wellbeing. Free on the App Store and Google Play.

 

To do something new or something for yourself:

- Smart Recipes is the free Smart Recipe app from Change4Life.  An easy way of helping you prepare tasty, healthier meals the whole family will love. Free on the App Store and Google Play.

 

To talk to others about how you’re feeling:

- Elefriends is an online community from Mind. Free on the App Store and Google Play.

 

We've also got more It’s OK sessions planned for this term:

On Tuesday 23 January we’ve got another 'It's OK to tak' session with some self-care planning and crafts.

On Thursday 1 Febuary we're hosting a Well Funny event in partnership with The Liverpool Comedy Trust.  Aimed at those that identify as men, this workshop works towards ending the stigma around men talking about their mental health, and how to use comedy as a tool for dealing with this. We're holding one in Crewe too on Thursday 25 January.

We've got another four sessions planned, so keep your eyes peeled! 

Happy New Year everyone!

- Lily