Ten small actions that can make a big difference to your mental health
Mental health is something that we all have - and like physical health, it needs care, attention and understanding. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re focusing on simple, positive actions that can help protect and strengthen our mental wellbeing, both for ourselves and for the people around us. You don’t need to overhaul your life or have all the answers. Often, it’s the small, everyday actions that make the biggest difference. Because mental health isn’t something we should only think about when things go wrong. It’s shaped by the everyday moments and actions.
Here are ten practical, doable things (opens PDF) from the Mental Health Foundation that can support your mental health. You don’t have to try them all. Take a look and choose one that fits into your life and feels manageable.
- Sometimes it helps to have something to look forward to. That might be a catch‑up with a friend, a walk somewhere you enjoy, or giving yourself permission to plan something just for you. Many people find ideas through How Are You Peterborough: from local groups to relaxed activities that give the week ahead a bit of shape and helps making connections.
- Looking after ourselves also includes eating well, in a realistic way. Regular meals, staying hydrated, and sharing food when you can all play a part in how we feel. It doesn’t have to be perfect — small changes still count.
- Being outside and closer to nature can have a calming effect. Fresh air, movement and green space can help lower stress, lift mood and clear busy minds. In Peterborough, that might mean a loop round Nene Park, time in a local green space, or simply noticing the sky and trees as you go about your day. If you’re drawn to something more energetic, Peterborough parkrun at Ferry Meadows is a free, weekly 5km event every Saturday. You can walk, jog or run — whatever feels right for you.
- Then there’s sleep — something many of us struggle with from time to time. Good sleep helps us cope better, but even when sleep isn’t great, gentle routines and proper rest can help things feel more manageable.
- You might also find it helps to do something creative. That could be music, writing, crafts, photography or learning something new – perhaps a new language, painting or sewing? Not to be good at it, but just because it feels enjoyable. Local opportunities like the course offered at City College in Peterborough offer accessible ways to explore creativity alongside others.
- Moving regularly can support mental health in lots of ways — and it doesn’t have to look like a gym workout. Walking, stretching, dancing or joining a gentle group activity all count. If you want inspiration, Vivacity and How Are You Peterborough highlight a range of welcoming, local options for all abilities.
- Some people find that mindfulness helps steady busy thoughts. That doesn’t mean sitting in silence for long periods — it can be as simple as pausing to notice sounds around you, the feel of your feet on the ground, or taking a few slower breaths.
- Making time to connect with friends or other people matters more than we sometimes realise. A phone call, a shared walk, or turning up to a local group can reduce feelings of loneliness and help us feel more supported. Across Peterborough, there are Good Mood Cafés, run by CPSL Mind, offering relaxed, welcoming spaces to have a drink, chat, and connect with others. You don’t need a referral, you don’t need to book. And you don’t need to be feeling 'good' to attend. Good Mood Cafés take place in everyday locations like cafés and community venues and are open to anyone aged 18+. You can come along to listen, talk, or just sit with others for a while.
- On difficult days, one of the hardest actions is to be kind to yourself. Bad days happen. Being gentle with yourself and trying to be your own best friend often helps you recover more quickly.
- And finally, talking things over with someone you trust can really help. That might be a friend, family member, colleague — or a support service.
If you’re struggling and not sure who to contact, there are people available to listen:
- Samaritans – call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day, for confidential and emotional support, whatever you’re going through.
- Lifeline (Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mental Health Helpline) – call 0808 808 2121, everyday from 11am to 11pm, for local, confidential support if you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed.
- Kooth (ages 11–18) and Qwell (adults 18+) both offer free, confidential online support, with live chat Monday–Friday 12pm–10pm and weekends 6pm–10pm, plus self‑help resources available 24/7.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
If you need urgent mental health support and don’t know where to start, you can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
You don’t have to cope on your own — help is available, and it’s okay to reach out.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that looking after our mental health is not a quick fix, it’s a process. Every small action — checking in, getting outside, trying something new, or asking for help — helps build resilience and stronger, kinder communities. There’s no right way to do this, and no timeline to follow. Just start where you are. Small steps still move you forward!