Looking after your mental health is one of the most important things you can do, especially in a world where there are challenges that we face every day.
If you are living in west Wales, staying there over the summer or taking a trip away for a few days, then there are several things you can do to give your mental health a boost this summer.
Why Is Mental Health Important?
Mental health is a huge aspect of our lives, and when we face mental health challenges it can affect us in a variety of ways.
Whether you are struggling with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety, or are just facing some mental health worries at the moment, finding things which can improve mental health can help us get back on track.
Although seeking professional help for a mental health disorder is essential, there are also a number of everyday activities we can engage in which can put us into a more positive mindset.
Things which boost mental health can do so in a number of important ways such as:
Socialising and meeting new people: this can help negate one of the leading causes of poor mental health, isolation. Loneliness and isolation can be devastating on our mental health, and finding a group of friends we can enjoy our time with can greatly improve our mental health.
Improving physical health: Mental and physical health can have a great impact on one another, and there can be many psychological benefits to engaging in physical exercise. Physical exercise is particularly helpful in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Learning: Learning a new skill or new knowledge can help boost self-esteem, confidence and decrease mental health issues such as anxiety.
Entertainment: Doing something you find entertaining or enjoyable has proven to increase positive emotions such as excitement, happiness and positivity, helping people cope in times of stress.
Psychological techniques: You can incorporate a number of professional psychological techniques such as mindfulness into your everyday activities, helping you to further boost your mental wellbeing.
When to Seek Professional Help
Please note however, If you are currently struggling with a mental health issue which you need support for, it is very important that you seek professional help.
For people struggling with depression, anxiety or any other mental disorder, you can visit your doctor and discuss options such as working with the local mental health team or undergoing psychological therapies.
If you are suffering from an addiction problem or are concerned about your alcohol or drug use, then you can get in touch with local alcohol and drug rehab centres in Wales to support your addiction recovery.
Although the following activities can really help boost your mental health (and some, such as attending mental health support groups, are geared towards mental health recovery) it is important to know when you might also need the support of a professional mental health team.
If you are concerned that you need additional help for your mental health, then make sure you make an appointment to visit your local GP, mental health facility or addiction recovery centre to discuss your options.
1. Take a Mindful Walk in the West Wales Countryside
If you know anything about Wales, you probably know that it is home to some incredible areas of natural beauty, especially in the summer.
Going on a country walk in Wales can really help you destress, clear your head of worries and boost your mental and physical health at the same time.
Mindful walking is all about taking in your surroundings and being in the moment, helping you to calm your mind and be present. You can do this by focusing on the sensations you are feeling in the moment such as what you are seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting and smelling.
In west Wales there are plenty of mindful walks you can take, where you can engage fully with the natural landscape.
This might include feeling and smelling the various plants and animals surrounding you, looking out onto the landscapes and taking in the sounds of the sea.
2. Visit Snowdonia
One of the most popular areas to walk and explore is Snowdonia, situated in northwest Wales.
The Snowdonia National Park (Eryri National Park) is the largest national park in Wales, and is fantastic for mindful walking and for those looking for beautiful places to explore.
You can try the more challenging mountainous hikes up Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest mountain in Wales, or enjoy one of the more accessible routes such as the one around Cwm Idwal and enjoy the incredible scenic views.
3. Visit Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is a great place for walks, with plenty to see and do. For example the Carew Mill Pond walk where you can go to the Carew’s Medieval Castle and have a look around before heading on to the Mill pond which is home to beautiful wading birds.
There are wonderful walks for all, including easy access walks that are under a mile to Milford Haven waterway, adventurous walks to the Blue Lagoon and in between walks around St Davids Airfield.
4. Visit Welsh Castles and Museums
Wales has a rich history, and there are many historical sights around Wales which can be fascinating to learn about. If you don’t like history, then museums, galleries, and manors around west Wales can provide exciting and creative ways to learn new things.
Learning new things can help increase confidence and self-esteem, and can be a great way to engage in something you find interesting.
There are a range of museums and castles around Wales which each contain fascinating pieces of knowledge to educate, inspire, intrigue and excite visitors.
Some great educational places and interesting places to go in west Wales include:
Pembrokeshire Castle
West Wales Museum of Childhood
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
Internal Fire Museum of Power
Castell Henllys Iron Age Village
5. Explore Local Attractions in West Wales
As well as expanding your knowledge-base and learning new things, letting off steam can be a fantastic way of helping your mental wellbeing.
Whether you are a thrill seeker who loves a rollercoaster or a calm soul who just enjoys watching a good movie, there are several places you can explore in west Wales to give you the adventure you are looking for.
There are several exciting local attractions to visit and activities to take part in in west Wales, such as:
6. Visit Oakwood Theme Park
Theme parks such as Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire can be a great place to have a day of fun, excitement and carefree thrills.
The biggest theme park in Wales, Oakwood has something for everyone including huge thrill rides, a fun arcade and even a Neverland.
7. Visiti The Dinosaur Park
In Tenby, the Dinosaur park is a great day out for everyone, whether you want to find something fun to do as a family, with friends, as a couple or on your own.
They have rides, a golf course, a dino trail and a bunch of fun activities to make for a fun day out.
8. Join a Local Club or Group
Joining a local group in west Wales can be a great way to enjoy a new activity, meet new people and boost your mental health all at the same time.
There are a variety of groups you can join depending where you are based including physical groups, social groups, hobby groups and mental health support groups
Some local clubs you can look into joining in west Wales might be:
Creative clubs: e.g. art clubs, craft clubs, poetry groups, sewing or knitting clubs
Physical clubs: e.g. running clubs, walking or hiking clubs, rowing clubs
Activity clubs: e.g. musical instrument clubs/bands, foraging groups
Shared interest clubs: e.g. history clubs, book clubs
Support groups: e.g. mental health groups, AA
Educational groups: e.g. foreign language groups
Social activism/change groups: e.g. environmental groups, political groups
Creative groups can be a great way to express your artistic side and can be very therapeutic if you are currently going through something difficult, whilst physical exercise groups can give your brain a boost and help your physical health too.
There is a club for every interest and activity, and finding like-minded people who enjoy the same things that you do can be a great way of making friends and building a support system.
Mental health groups in particular can be very useful if you need someone to talk to or want to share experiences and meet other people who understand what you are going through.
There are a range of support groups for specific mental health issues such as Alcoholics Anonymous and there are broader ones which are open to anyone who is going through something.
You can find a range of local clubs online by searching the news in your area here at the West Wales Chronicle, or by visiting your local visitor information centre.
If there isn’t a local group that you are interested in joining, why not start one around a hobby or activity you like doing?
9. Take Part in Events
If you do not have the time to dedicate to a local community group, or perhaps there aren’t any that you are personally interested in joining, then you can always take part in one-off events in west Wales.
Local events can really help you engage in the community, do something different and can give your mind something else to focus on. Events are also a great way to meet people casually, experience something new and take part in something you enjoy.
You can find a variety of events occurring locally in west Wales right here, and search via your area. Social media, community newsletters and community notice boards are also a great way to keep up with what’s happening locally.
For events further afield, you can find the latest news related to Music events, find out about the latest Films coming out and see if any big Welsh Entertainment events are happening over the summer. Some of the events that are often on around west Wales include:
10. Go to Festivals
From musical festivals to food festivals, summer is the perfect time to find festivals in west Wales that you can attend.
Many of these festivals such as VegOut West in Pembrokeshire occur every year, and are full of excited people looking for something fun to do this summer. Again, this can be a great way to meet people and enjoy new experiences.
11. Take Part in Physical Challenges and Marathons
Marathons, fundraising challenges and activity events can be great for people who need a mental health boost, as they give you something to work towards as well as a day to enjoy seeing what you are capable of.
Marathons, running events and challenge events can be great fun, especially when raising money for a good cause.
Other events might include major sports events (especially Rugby!), concerts to see one of your favourite bands live or a LGBT pride.
12. Help a Local Charity
Helping others is a great way to get a mental health boost, feel a sense of personal achievement and enjoy doing something for someone else.
Charities all over Wales are always in need of support, whether it’s a donation, volunteering, joining an event or doing some fundraising.
There are several charities that you can support in west Wales including local charity shops and national and international charities that have branches in Wales. Some of the charities who seek support in west Wales include:
13. Check Out The Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales
The Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales have several volunteering opportunities as well as local groups of wildlife enthusiasts.
These local groups such as the Aberystwyth Botanical Society and the local groups around mid-Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire hold meetings, have field trips, enjoy guest speakers and take part in local events to promote wildlife and conservation.
14. Check Out The West Wales Action for Mental Health
West Wales Action for Mental Health can be a great charity to reach out to if you are struggling with your mental health, but can also be a great charity to support if you are looking for something positive to do for others.
They work with over 100 local mental health groups, assisting in volunteering and fundraising, so they are well worth thinking about if you want to explore charity work in west Wales.
West Wales is a fantastic area to care for your mental health, whether you are a local or are looking for the perfect place to get away and relieve some stress.
Whether you want a calm place to see scenic views, practice mindfulness and enjoy the sensations of nature, or are more tempted towards the exciting buzz of a theme park or festival, there are plenty of ways for everyone to give their mental health a boost this summer in west Wales.
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