Lifestyle choices
Exercise and diet are important to maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Many choices are available locally, especially through colleges and community centres. Shops and libraries may also display posters advertising local exercise and diet classes.
Exercise
Many health providers are now able to prescribe exercise as a form of therapy. The psychological impact of exercise should not be underestimated.
Exercise is a "normalising activity" that can give you a sense of being able to control certain symptoms.
You may be able to gain some control over anxiety symptoms by learning a relaxation technique at an early stage of a trauma-induced condition.
Many councils run gyms and fitness centres. If you don't like the idea of joining a gym or going to a sports centre, there are alternative activities such as green gyms (see links below). These offer a variety of ways to get fit and healthy by exercising in the countryside or open spaces, or by taking part in conservation activities. It is recommended to seek medical advice from your healthcare professional before undertaking any sort of strenous physical activities.
Useful websites
Sport England www.sportengland.org
Tai Chi Union for Great Britain www.taichiunion.com
Keep Fit Association www.keepfit.org.uk
Walking Routes www.walking-routes.co.uk
Walking The Way to Health www.whi.org.uk
BBC Health Website has lots of useful information on diet and exercise www.bbc.co.uk/health
Green Gym www.greengym.org.uk
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers www2.btcv.org.uk/display/greengym
Diet - Choosing to seek help with what you eat
To create a sense of well-being, it is important that you fuel your body with the right amounts of healthy and nutritious food.
You may feel the need to seek specialist advice about dietary issues. If so, ask your GP or key worker to refer you to a dietician.
Useful websites
Department of Health www.doh.gov.uk
BBC Health website has lots of useful information on diet and exercise.
www.bbc.co.uk/health
www.weightwatchers.co.uk Provides support and advice on losing weight both online and through local meetings
www.www.slimming-world.com Provides support and advice on losing weight both online and through local meetings
www.rosemary-conley.co.uk Provides support and advice on losing weight and fitness classes both online and through local meetings
Please note that all these links represent only a selection of the services and options available to you, and are in no way a definitive list.
