Small daily habits that make a big difference to mental health
24th July marks International Self Care Day, and at West Central London Mind, we want to help make self-care a daily habit for you.
Mental health affects all of us. With mental health now the UK’s top health concern, it’s more important than ever to learn tools and techniques to support our wellbeing.
Taking small, daily steps can make a big difference. Whether it’s making time to connect with others or going for a walk in nature, even the smallest acts can add up to long-term benefits for our mental health.
We’ve compiled six small but powerful daily habits to help you look after your mental wellbeing, today and beyond. We’ve also included a downloadable Wellbeing pack with practical tools and reminders you can keep on hand whenever you need extra support.
1. Reach out for support
Opening up to someone you trust, a friend, loved one, colleague, or support worker, can help ease feelings of stress, worry, or fear. Reaching out takes strength, but it can make a world of difference.
Sometimes though, more structured support is needed, and that’s okay. We offer a wide range of services for adults, children, and young people in Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth, Westminster, and nearby boroughs. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, or social isolation, we’re here to help.
2. Nourish yourself with a balanced diet
What we eat can impact how we feel. A balanced diet helps stabilise your mood, boost your energy levels, and support better sleep, all essential for mental wellbeing.
Simple changes like drinking enough water, eating regular meals, and including more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and proteins can make a difference. Avoiding excessive caffeine, sugar, or alcohol can also help you feel more emotionally steady.
Do what feels manageable for you and be kind to yourself along the way.
3. Connect with others
Human connection is one of the most powerful tools for mental health. Talking to someone who listens, being part of a group, or even just saying hello to a neighbour can help reduce loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
At West Central London Mind, we offer:
- Community Living Well Peer Support: A welcoming space for Kensington & Chelsea residents to connect through shared experiences.
- Community Befriending: One-to-one support for people experiencing social isolation, including help with shopping, attending appointments, or going for a walk.
Both services offer a chance to feel more connected and understood. Find out more on our website.
4. Get moving
Exercise doesn’t need to be intense to be effective. Just 15 minutes of movement, such as stretching, dancing in your kitchen, or walking in a local park, can release endorphins, reduce stress, and lift your mood.
Spending time in nature can enhance these benefits. A short walk outside can calm the mind, improve focus, and provide a sense of peace.
Join our Walk and Talk Group!
It’s a free weekly walking group open to adults (18+) experiencing mental health challenges. It’s a great way to get moving, meet others, and explore local green spaces together.
We have 6 new groups: Walk and Talk for 50+, Young Carers Walk and Talk, Walk and Talk for Guardians & Carers to Under Twos, LGTBQIA+ Young Adults Walk and Talk, Walk, Talk, Get Active (Improving physical health for mental health), and Walk and Talk for the visually and auditorially impaired.
You can find out more about Walk and Talk here. To sign up, email [email protected].
5. Make time for rest
In a busy world, rest is often overlooked, but it’s essential for wellbeing. Whether it’s 10 minutes of quiet in the morning, reading before bed, or journalling at the end of your day, moments of stillness give your mind the chance to reset.
Practices like mindfulness, breathing exercises, or gratitude journaling can help you slow down, process your emotions, and feel more grounded.
Not sure where to start? Our downloadable Wellbeing pack includes a few easy reflection prompts to try.
6. Do something you enjoy
Joy and creativity are powerful antidotes to stress. Making time for activities you enjoy, no matter how small, can provide a sense of purpose, achievement, and calm.
Whether it’s painting, listening to music, baking, gardening, or working on a puzzle, carving out time for something that brings you joy helps balance out life’s demands and reminds you that your happiness matters.
If you’re not sure what brings you joy right now, start small. Try something new or revisit a childhood hobby. The act of doing is what supports your wellbeing.
How we can help
If you need extra support with your mental health West Central London Mind are here to provide support across London, specifically in Brent, Kensington & Chelsea, Wandsworth, Westminster, and surrounding boroughs.
We offer a range of different services that address a wide variety of mental health challenges. Our Community Wellbeing Programmes offer a variety of mindful activities where you can meet new people, enjoy nature, and get creative! All aim to help reduce loneliness and social isolation. We also offer more specialised services such as Suicide Bereavement Support and Low-Cost Counselling.
Explore our Adult Services, Children and Young People Services, or Mental Health Training and get in touch today.
Posted on: 23rd July 2025