Taking care of your mental wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week | Tenant news

Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May) is approaching, and it gives everyone the perfect opportunity to think about their mental wellbeing without feeling like they have to hide.

It’s a time to focus on what you can do to boost your endorphins, be that through small changes, introducing healthier habits or reaching out for support.

Boost your wellbeing

You don’t need to make huge changes to improve your mental health - a few small steps can go a long way to help you:

• Stay active: Even in small doses, any kind of physical activity can reduce stress and boost your mood. Try walking, stretching, or put on the radio and dance and sing along to whatever’s playing.
• Connect with others: Reach out to a friend, family member, or support group to help you feel like part of a community.
• Set realistic goals: Set a goal – and an alarm – to take a 10-minute walk, call a friend, or practice a hobby. This can boost your sense of accomplishment.
• Practice mindfulness: Focus just on breathing in and out for a few minutes each day. It can help you to relax and reduce stress.

Reading or writing poetry can also be a great stress buster and a way to remind yourself to slow down and be present. This is what Habinteg tenant Anneka Chambers has done. Her poem, below, captures a tranquil moment in nature. 

Under the Willow Tree 

under the willow tree the world softly settles to calm.
this space is always here for me,
i am safe and free from harm

under the willow tree every breath cleanses my being.
my soul is immersed in untainted light,
my aura is filled with colours that beam

under the willow tree i choose to detach from troubling thoughts.
for this is a special moment;
of tranquillity i have caught

under the willow tree my mind is gently stilled.
tension separates from my body,
self-love and peace is refilled

under the willow tree time ceases to exist.
no intrusions, no pressures, no decisions need to be made -
for this is my moment of sacred bliss

renewed eyes glisten from this journey which i was led.
today under the willow tree,
my soul has been lovingly fed

Get help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or finding it difficult to manage your mental health, it’s important to reach out for help.

Talking to a professional, like a counsellor or therapist, can provide valuable support. Many charitable organisations offer free or low-cost mental health services too.

While Mental Health Awareness Week is an important time to reflect on our wellbeing, taking care of your mental health should be a priority every day.

For more information on mental health support and resources, visit www.habinteg.org.uk/health. You can also contact the following organisations for confidential support:

Mind
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 3393

Samaritans
Website: www.samaritans.org
Telephone: 116 123

NHS Mental Health Services
Website: www.nhs.uk/mental-health


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Anneka Chambers (she/her) is a Black British poet living in London. Anneka’s work can be found in Magazines and Journals such as South Bank Poetry, Streetcake Magazine, Feral A Journal of Poetry and Art, Fevers of the Mind, alongside other notable publications. Instagram: @22poetrystreet.