Winter Wellbeing

Better are proud to support the winter 5 Ways to Wellbeing campaign.

This important initiative has been created by the NHS in partnership with Mind the mental health charity to help the nation through the difficult winter period.

By doing one, or more of the below 5 simple steps you can embrace winter and improve your physical and mental wellbeing, and Better are here to support you every step of the way.

Step 1 – Connect

• Connecting with others can help us feel close to people, and valued for who we are
• Being social means different things for different people – you may prefer quieter situations with one other person, or you might like being in big groups
• Take advantage of one of our local walking routes by going for a walk with a friend. Stanborough Park has a selection of walking routes and forms part of the Welwyn Garden City Centenary walks. Take in the parks scenery with a walk around one, or both of our lakes and refresh yourself with a hot drink at the North Side kiosk
• Try joining one of the Hertfordshire Healthy Walks group led sessions. The friendly welcoming Team from Hertfordshire Healthy Walks lead a selection of walks around the Borough including buggy and wheel chair accessible sessions at Hatfield Town Centre and local walks around King George V Playing Fields. Connect with nature and fellow walkers by joining one of the sessions and a social refreshment session at King George V Community Pavilion on Fridays from 11.00

Step 2 – Get Active

Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health, this doesn’t have to mean running marathons or training every day at the gym.

There are lots of things you can do to be more active; studies have shown that getting active can help you sleep better, have happier moods, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and racing thoughts

• For those who may need some assistance in returning, or starting exercise, Hatfield Leisure Centre is home to the Wellness Hub. This bespoke facility has 12 power assisted exercise machines to provide an all body work out for those who want to get some exercise, but also increase mobility. The Wellness Team are here to support users and provide a relaxed social atmosphere with a focus on mental wellbeing as well as physical wellbeing.
• Our Better Centres at Hatfield Swim Centre, Hatfield Leisure Centre and Gosling Sports Park offer a selection of exercise classes; styles of classes include cardio, dance, strength and conditioning and mind and body classes.
• With something for everyone and a selection of activities across all of our centres to suit your style or needs, either log on to our web pages, or speak to one of the Better Team on site.

 

Stanborough Park

https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/welwyn-hatfield/stanborough-park-water-sports-centre

Gosling Sports Park

Gosling Sports Park | Gym, Fitness Classes & Trampoline Park | Better

Hatfield Leisure Centre

Hatfield Leisure Centre | Gym, Fitness Classes, Sports Hall | Better

 Hatfield Swim Centre

Hatfield Swim Centre | Gym, Fitness Classes & Swimming Pool | Better

Panshanger Golf Complex

Panshanger Golf Complex | Golf Course Welwyn Garden City | Better

 

Step 3 – Take Notice

Reminding yourself to take notice can help you to be aware of how you are feeling; It can help you understand what triggers your feelings of stress or anxiety. Some studies have shown that savouring “the moment” can also help you feel more positive about life.

• Take a new way to work
• Visit a new place for lunch
• Take in the stunning views of the Hertfordshire countryside by visiting The View at Panshanger Golf Complex; With free on site parking, The View offers a selection of meals and snacks, and is a great place to relax and unwind whilst taking in the beautiful vista any time of the year.
• Grab and go lunch options are available from the Life Café at Gosling Sports Park; with a range of healthy nutritious snacks and meals and fresh ground coffee and  only a short stop away from Welwyn Garden City town centre 

Step 4 – Learn

We’re always learning new things – often without realising it

• Feeling like you’re learning and developing can boost self esteem
• Sometimes, setting goals can help you feel more productive and more in control of your life
• Golf has been proven to improve physical and mental wellbeing; Panshanger Golf Complex has a selection of facilities and activities for those who wish to return to golf, or start to learn. You can practise your skills on the 9 hole Pitch & Putt range, hone your swing on the golf simulator, or book a lesson with our on site Golf Professional. The Panshanger Team are available to answer any questions you may have
• King George Community Pavilion is home to the Welwyn Garden City Bridge Club; nothing tests your mental agility like learning to play Bridge!
  
  This friendly welcoming club are always looking for new players and have a selection of on line and face to face sessions. Their experienced Tutor Team will guide you through learning to play Bridge and the sessions are a great way to socialise whilst learning a new skill

Step 5 – Give

There’s been lots of research about the effects of taking part in social and community life. Some studies have shown that people who help others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

• Stanborough Park continue to host Community Litter Picks to bring the local community together and to protect our environment. We are welcoming the local community to join our next litter pick on Saturday 10^th February at 11.00 at the Splashlands refreshment kiosk on the North Side of Stanborough Park

How are you feeling?

We understand day to day life, especially in the winter can be difficult. When it comes to emotions, it can be hard sometimes to recognise or admit when we are not feeling 100% .

If you are aged 16 or over visit: www.nhs.uk/mental-health and take a few minutes to complete the on line survey to understand how you may be feeling

Need to speak to someone?

Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not need to struggle with difficult feelings alone.

Call Samaritans free on 116 123 if you want to talk to someone.

Find out more

MIND

NHS