Everyday Mental Health & Wellbeing

What is Everyday Mental Wellbeing? 🌱

Everyday mental wellbeing is all about the small things we do to help ourselves feel safe, calm, and steady. It's not about being happy all the time, it's about having the tools to manage life’s ups and downs.

For neurodivergent people, some of these everyday habits might feel harder to keep up with. Things like sensory sensitivities, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, or low energy can all get in the way.

That’s why we’ve brought together practical tools you can shape to suit your own needs.

This page is here to help you explore simple strategies that can make daily life feel a bit easier, one step at a time.

If there’s something you need and can’t find, get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.

What everyday mental wellbeing might look like 🔍

Everyone’s version of mental wellbeing will look different. But some helpful habits that support it include:

Eating regular, balanced meals 🍎
Getting enough rest and sleep 😴
Taking short breaks throughout the day 🧘‍♀️
Spending time outdoors or moving your body 🏃‍♂️
Doing things you enjoy or are good at 🎨
Talking about your feelings 💬
Connecting with others 🤝
Helping others and showing kindness 🐾

You don’t need to do all of these at once. Even choosing one small thing can make a positive difference.

Who is this page for? 👪

This Learn Zone is for anyone who wants gentle, practical ways to support everyday mental wellbeing , including:

Neurodivergent individuals of all ages
Parents and carers of neurodivergent individuals
Professionals working with neurodivergent people
Anyone looking for accessible, no-pressure wellbeing ideas

Looking after your mental wellbeing isn’t selfish. It helps you stay steady and better able to support others too.

Learn more 📚

We’ve gathered helpful tools and resources to support your daily wellbeing, from breathing exercises and goal setting to ideas for staying connected and building routines.

Take your time exploring, there’s no right or wrong way to use this space.

Check out the resources below:

Videos

Understanding Stress (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

This video explores what stress is, how it affects our minds and bodies, and simple strategies to manage it. Through calming visuals and clear messaging, it encourages viewers to recognise signs of stress early and take small steps to support their mental wellbeing.

Full Transcript:

[Calming background music begins]

[On screen text:]
“Mental Health & Wellbeing – Stress”

[Scene:] A person sitting at a desk, looking overwhelmed

[On screen text:]
“Stress is a natural response to pressure or demands.”

[Scene:] Brain animation highlighting stress response

[On screen text:]
“It can affect how we feel, think and behave.”

[Scene:] People walking, one taking deep breaths outdoors

[On screen text:]
“Signs of stress:

Irritability

Trouble sleeping

Racing thoughts

Tension or headaches”

[Scene:] A person practicing mindfulness, another journaling

[On screen text:]
“Managing stress:

Take breaks

Talk to someone

Try deep breathing

Be kind to yourself”

[Scene:] Calm beach and ocean waves

[On screen text:]
“You’re not alone. Support is available.”

[Closing screen:]
“Look after your wellbeing.
#MentalHealth #StressAwareness”

[Music fades out]

Talk About Your Feelings (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

This short video encourages people to open up about their emotions. It highlights why talking about feelings is important for mental health and wellbeing, and reassures viewers that sharing with someone they trust can make a big difference.

Full Transcript:

[Soft background music begins]

[On screen text:]
“Mental Health & Wellbeing – Talk About Your Feelings”

[Scene:] A person sitting quietly, looking thoughtful

[On screen text:]
“Bottling things up can make us feel worse over time.”

[Scene:] The same person texting a friend, then speaking on the phone

[On screen text:]
“Talking to someone you trust can help you feel heard and supported.”

[Scene:] Two people walking outdoors and chatting

[On screen text:]
“You don’t have to have all the answers. Just saying it out loud is a good first step.”

[Scene:] A supportive hand on a shoulder, followed by a warm smile

[On screen text:]
“Let’s make it normal to talk about our feelings.”

[Closing screen:]
“You are not alone. Talking helps.
#MentalHealthMatters #ReachOut”

[Music fades out]

Take A Break (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

This short video reminds viewers of the importance of taking breaks throughout the day. It promotes rest as a vital part of wellbeing and shows how short pauses—whether to move, breathe, or reset—can support mental health.

Full Transcript:

[Gentle background music plays]

[On screen text:]
“Mental Health & Wellbeing – Take a Break”

[Scene:] A person working at a computer, looking tired

[On screen text:]
“Sometimes we forget to pause.”

[Scene:] The same person gets up, stretches, and walks outside

[On screen text:]
“Taking a break helps your mind and body reset.”

[Scene:] A cup of tea, deep breathing, looking at the sky

[On screen text:]
“Even a few minutes can:

Reduce stress

Improve focus

Boost your mood”

[Scene:] A calm setting – nature, a quiet room, or soft lighting

[On screen text:]
“Remember: rest is productive too.”

[Closing screen:]
“Take time for you.
#MentalWellbeing #SelfCareMatters”

[Music fades out]

Keep Physically Active (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

This short wellbeing video encourages regular physical activity as a way to support mental health. It highlights that movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective—small, enjoyable activities like walking, stretching, or dancing can help reduce stress and boost mood.

Full Transcript:

[Energetic but gentle background music begins]

[On screen text:]
“Mental Health & Wellbeing – Keep Physically Active”

[Scene:] Someone tying their shoelaces and heading out for a walk

[On screen text:]
“Exercise helps your body and your mind.”

[Scene:] A person dancing in their living room

[On screen text:]
“It boosts your mood, reduces stress, and improves sleep.”

[Scene:] A group doing light stretching in the park

[On screen text:]
“You don’t need to run a marathon – small steps count.”

[Scene:] A person smiling after a short walk

[On screen text:]
“Find something you enjoy and move in your own way.”

[Closing screen:]
“Every bit of movement helps.
#ActiveBodyActiveMind #MentalWellbeing”

[Music fades out]

Sleep Well (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

This short video highlights the importance of sleep for good mental health. It shares simple tips for creating a better bedtime routine and encourages viewers to prioritise rest as part of their self-care.

Full Transcript:

[Calming music begins]

[On screen text:]
“Mental Health & Wellbeing – Sleep Well”

[Scene:] A person turning off their phone and dimming the lights

[On screen text:]
“Sleep is essential for your mental and physical health.”

[Scene:] Someone setting an alarm and stretching in bed

[On screen text:]
“Lack of sleep can affect your mood, focus and energy.”

[Scene:] A cup of herbal tea, soft lighting, a book beside the bed

[On screen text:]
“Create a calming bedtime routine:

Limit screen time

Keep a regular schedule

Wind down slowly”

[Scene:] A peaceful bedroom, person asleep

[On screen text:]
“Good sleep helps you feel more balanced and resilient.”

[Closing screen:]
“Rest is a form of self-care.
#SleepWell #MentalHealthMatters”

[Music fades out]

Make Time for What You Enjoy (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

This video encourages people to regularly make time for hobbies, interests, and activities they enjoy or feel confident in. It highlights how doing things you’re good at can lift your mood, build self-esteem, and support long-term mental wellbeing.

Full Transcript:

[Upbeat, calm background music begins]

[On screen text:]
“Mental Health & Wellbeing – Do What You Enjoy”

[Scene:] A person painting, smiling while creating art

[On screen text:]
“Doing things you enjoy helps you relax and feel good.”

[Scene:] Someone gardening, another person baking

[On screen text:]
“It could be something creative, active, or social…”

[Scene:] A person playing a musical instrument, another reading a book

[On screen text:]
“Even a few minutes a day can make a big difference.”

[Scene:] A group of people laughing while doing a puzzle

[On screen text:]
“Doing what you’re good at builds confidence and lifts your mood.”

[Closing screen:]
“You deserve time to enjoy yourself.
#MentalWellbeing #JoyInEveryday”

[Music fades out]

The Benefits of Nature and the Outdoors (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

This short educational video highlights the positive impact that spending time outdoors and in nature can have on mental health and wellbeing. It features calming nature scenes alongside simple text and gentle music, encouraging viewers to consider how small outdoor moments can improve mood, reduce stress, and support daily mental wellness.

Full Transcript:

[Background music begins: soft and calming instrumental music]

[On screen text:]
“Mental Health & Wellbeing – The Outdoors and Nature”

[Scene:] Footage of trees swaying in the wind, birds chirping

[On screen text:]
“Spending time in nature can:

Reduce stress

Boost your mood

Improve focus”

[Scene:] A person walking in a park, pausing to admire flowers

[On screen text:]
“You don’t need to go far – a walk around your local area helps too”

[Scene:] Close-up of leaves, rippling water, and sunlight

[On screen text:]
“Take a moment to pause, breathe, and notice the world around you.”

[Closing screen:]
“Your wellbeing matters.
Make time for nature.
#MentalHealth #NatureHeals”

[Background music fades out]

Empowering Ayrshire’s Neurodivergent Communities

Everyday Mental Health & Wellbeing

Videos

Documents

Links

Mental Health and Wellbeing Overview (NHS Ayrshire & Arran)

Looking After Your Mental Health (NHS Ayrshire & Arran)

Self-Help Tools (NHS Ayrshire & Arran)

Breathing and Relaxation Exercises (NHS Inform)

Breathing Strategies for Neurodivergent Young People (Ambitious About Autism)

Sleeping Better (Mind to Mind - NHS Inform)

Tips for Looking After Your Physical Health (Mind)

Food and Mental Health (Mind)

A Guide for Mental Wellbeing (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

A Guide for Young People (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

A Guide for Children (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

A Guide for Women (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

A Mental Wellbeing Workbook (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

A Children's Workbook for Mental Wellbeing (NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Public Health)

CAMHS Resources – Mental health tools for young people, parents and carers

NEST blog – Mental health resources and reflections

Empowering Ayrshire’s Neurodiverse Communities