Why every mind matters this winter

IF THESE TIMES HAVE LEFT YOU MORE ANXIOUS, A LOT OF US ARE FEELING THE SAME WAY. BUT THERE IS PLENTY OF HELP OUT THERE – DON’T BE AFRAID TO USE IT

INSTANT CALMER The Your Mind Plan online quiz gives you a personalised set of tips

Not feeling on top of the world right now? You’re not alone. Even people who appear to be unaffected by the events since the pandemic hit may be feeling anxious or worried. Not everyone feels able to share their concerns but if you’re feeling overwhelmed at times, there really is help for you out there. The Every Mind Matters nhs.uk/ oneyou/every-mindmatters website, endorsed by the NHS, is a great place to start. At the heart of it is the Your Mind Plan quiz with its simple questions, designed to offer bespoke tips to help you feel better. The ideas suggested from

a ten-minute progressive muscle relaxation audio to help you relax, or a short video to help you “reframe” unhelpful thoughts or tackle your worries. Your plan can also be emailed to you for help in the future.

What works for me Judy, 32

“Sitting down to meditate in the morning and evening during lockdown not only helped me feel calm, but bookended each day in a really nice way. It’s a tool I have learned for the rest of my life and can use whatever the

GOOD TO TALK Samaritans was a lifeline for Sophie at her lowest point