Five ways to put your wellbeing first

As the cost of living rises, many people will be worried about managing their money and paying for everything they need. At this stressful time, it is more important than ever to look after your health and wellbeing.

Stress can have a negative impact on your mental health and your physical health. January is an especially difficult month with Christmas festivities long-forgotten and the shine already wearing off New Year's resolutions.

The Council has teamed up with Brio Leisure and Active Cheshire to share information and advice about five ways to lift your mood and improve your wellbeing.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are:

• Connect - with people around you, including friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours. Good relationships give you a sense of belonging and self-worth, as well as providing emotional support.
• Be active - whether it is going for a run or a walk, gardening, playing a game or dancing around the kitchen, being active can raise your self-esteem, help you to set goals you can achieve and cause chemical changes in your brain that can positively change your mood.
• Take notice - savour the moment and make the effort to be more aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better.
• Learn - try something new or rediscover an old interest, which will help boost your self-confidence, give you a sense of purpose and help you connect with others.
• Give - do something nice for someone else, volunteer or say thank you. Acts of giving and kindness can create a sense of reward, give you a feeling of purpose and self-worth and help you connect with others.

It is traditional for many people to make New Year's resolutions about losing weight or dropping a bad habit, but if that feels like it's adding pressure on yourself at a time when you already have a lot of worries, then why not look to do something much more positive for yourself.

Whether you decide to learn how to cook a new tea, join a guided walk to be active and connect or give some of your time to volunteer, it is possible to find your own five ways to wellbeing.

The 5 Ways to Wellbeing have been adopted by the NHS and mental health charity Mind following evidence that the steps improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.