Self-care library
A library of self-care activities to support your own and others' mental wellbeing.
A library of self-care activities to support yours and others' mental health
Wellbeing activities
Grounding techniques
Breathing techniques
Home
Guidance around self-care
If you need urgent help
Mental health support
Get active, feel good
5 ways to wellbeing
Wellbeing battery
Worry tree
Wellbeing calendar
Circle of giving
Move your body (Five in Five)
Achievements checklist
Journalling
Positive affirmations
Setback plan
Prayer / spirituality
Engaging with nature
Creative activity
3 things I’m grateful for
Tense & relax
Sights & senses 5-4-3-2-1
P.O.W.E.R
N.O.T.I.C.E
Stress scan
Active mindfulness
Breathing window
5 finger breathing
3/5 breathing
Mindful breathing exercise
Deep breathing
Alternate nostril breathing
Self-care techniques can help manage the symptoms of many mental health problems. They may also help prevent some problems from developing or getting worse.
This booklet provides some activities for looking after yourself that we hope you'll find helpful. And which you can share with others.
You may find them helpful to use by themselves or alongside support options like talking therapy or peer support.
It’s okay if you don’t feel able to engage in these activities or if you don’t find them helpful. If you've tried something and it hasn't helped, that's ok. We're all different and some people will find these activities helpful, but not everyone will.
If you feel like you might attempt suicide, or may have seriously harmed yourself, you need urgent medical help. Please:
Call 999 for an ambulance.
Go straight to A&E, if you can.
Call your local crisis team - if you don't already have their number, you can find an urgent mental health helpline on the NHS website.
If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Visit our How to get help in a crisis webpage for more information.
NHS 111: for urgent help that isn’t an emergency, get help from NHS 111 online or call 111.
GP: book an appointment with a GP/doctor. They introduce people to the right mental health services for their needs.
Free listening services and helplines:
Our Support line for a safe and confidential space to talk about your feelings: call 0300 102 1234 (weekdays 9am to 6pm except for bank holidays)
Our Infoline for signposting to support options: call 0300 123 3393 (weekdays 9am to 6pm except for bank holidays)
Samaritans: call 116 123 (available 24/7)
SHOUT: text SHOUT to 85258 (available 24/7).
Side by Side: an online community where you can listen, share and be heard. Available 24/7 for everyone aged 18 and over.
Our website: lots of information about mental health and accessing support.
Did you know that getting active can help to reduce anxiety and stress, combat low mood and boost self-esteem? It can help you feel good on the inside and out.
We know that starting something new can be challenging but there are lots of different types of exercise and physical activity. The most important thing to consider is finding something you enjoy.
Aim for balance and be mindful of the exercise you do. Try to take rest days to allow time for your body and mind to recover.
Our ‘get active, feel good’ pages have handy tips, resources and inspirational stories to help you get active.
