Help Yourself....

There are many ways we can all give ourselves a bit of extra 'lift' Here are just a few ideas.

Talk about your Feelings
Talking things over with someone you trust can help you deal with life events and setbacks. A problem shared is a problem halved.
TRY: Friends, family. teacher, colleague or your GP
Local support groups are there to listen in Allerdale; Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK

Be Active

Physical activity is proven to help relieve stress, improve mood, general health and fitness. It can be a great way to meet people and make new friends!
TRY: Walking, Gardening, Dancing, Cycling, Outdoor pursuits Yoga, Fitness classes. Local activities are available via Age UK, the Kirkgate Centre, Ramblers
Association, Churches Together, the local leisure centre in Cockermouth.
More Guidance
Cockermouth Leisure Centre

Keep in Touch with Friends and Loved Ones

Being around people we like is good for us and helps us feel valued, supported and loved. Many people can feel isolated and it is easy to lose touch through moving home or life changes. Connecting with others can provide friendship and a lifeline.
TRY: Sending a letter or card as a surprise! Meet up or telephone and catch up regularly.
Many local opportunities to meet others can arise through volunteering or befriending.


Eat Well

What you eat has a direct impact on your body and mind. A balanced diet can boost your resilience to illness and
stress. Remember your 5-a-day, try growing your own!
TRY: Follow a recipe, try a new food, cook for others.
Check labels on food for hidden fat, salt and sugar. Keep a
food diary.
www.eatwell.gov.uk

Get involved and make a contribution

It's free to get involved. Meet new people and find a valued
way to spend your spare time. Give something you can and feel valued in your local community. Care for others.
TRY: Volunteering -find out if local clubs and organisationr
need your help. Join a sports team, art club, choir or quiz
team!

Try Something New / Keep Learning

Exercise your mind! Learn throughout life. Stretch and challenge yourself. Keep your brain active, liberate your mind, push your boundaries. Improve your life satisfaction.
TRY; Do something creative, take a class or join a group to learn a new skill or gain a qualification. Try DIY, cookery, art, music, computer skills or a new language.
See Adult Courses at Cockermouth School
See Cockermouth Clubs and societies
www.seeitdoit.org.uk

Financial Security

Money problems are a common cause of sleep problems and stress. Try to take a positive relationship with your finances, take steps to feel in control, keep on top of your bills. Learn to budget and try to live within your means.
TRY: Keep a diary of your income and spending, plan your shopping and stick to a list to manage your purchases. Review your accounts and plans.

Housing

Your physical and local environment will have a bigimpact on your health and mood.
TRY Brighten up your living space, have a big tidy up and/or redecoraste a room.

Take a Break
Visit a new place, enjoy your local area. Use your dfiscounted bus pass (if available) to see more of the Lake District.
Go Lakes tourism information

Do Something you Enjoy

Remember the last time you did something you enjoy, something just for you? Value yourself and your skills and hobbies. Build up up your confidence and self-esteem through activities that you enjoy.
TRY: Plan some 'me' time into every week to spend as you I
choose. Join a local group in your community to meet others sharing your hobby. eg. Higham Hall courses.

Drink Sensibly

Keep fully hydrated, drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day. Only drink alcohol in moderation, it is a powerful drug and affects blood pressure, weight and mood. Avoid binge drinking. Recommended maximum limits are 2 units a day for women and 3 for men. Try to keep at least two alcohol free days per week. Use a diary to monitor intake if concerned.

www.drinkaware.co.uk

The Centre telephone number is 01900 828393.