Physical and mental health are two sides of the same coin. Improving physical health can do a lot to improve mental wellbeing and can often bring positive change in people’s outlook on life. It can help people with anxiety and depression and may even prevent such problems developing in the first place. It is therefore important to do what is possible to eat healthily and take enough exercise.

There are many self-help resources and services available to help people lead healthier lifestyles such as:

• Mind Guide to Food and Mood
• Mind Guide to Physical Activity
• Mind Guide to Understanding the Psychological Effects of Street Drugs
• Mind Factsheet: Smoking, Giving up and Mental Health

All these are available on www.mind.org.uk/information/booklets

The Mental Health Foundation has formed a partnership project with 'My Dish'. Their website gives information about mental health and diet as well as ideas, recipes and events. For more information click here. 

Locally there is the Sheffield Stop Smoking Service 0800 068 4490 www.sheffieldstopsmoking.org.uk

There are a wide variety of physical activity classes available in Sheffield. Sheffield International Venues run classes at their various sites in Sheffield.

See also www.sheffield.gov.uk/activitysheffield and Change4Life.

Other ways of promoting mental wellbeing are to become involved in activities that are creative or involve learning a new skill. There are many community groups and classes in Sheffield. The Help Yourself Directory is useful for searching for a particular interest or something in your area. Volunteering opportunities also provide a way of learning something new. You can get more information about volunteering opportunities at Voluntary Action Sheffield.

There is also information about a range of local events which include both creative and physical activities on the Event Sheffield website.