Be kind to yourself, find time to do something you enjoy

It’s OK to treat yourself to the things that make you smile and make you feel good.

Don’t be hard on yourself. Make yourself a hot drink, watch a film, read a book, or try a crossword. You may want to limit your intake of daily news as too much coverage can be overwhelming and make you stressed.

Visit Good Thinking, London’s digital wellbeing service, for free, NHS approved digital tools to help manage anxiety, low mood, sleeping difficulties or stress.

Connect with others, by phone, text, social media, write a letter or smile at your neighbours.

Many of us are seeing family and friends less and not taking part in many of our usual activities.

It’s important that we stay connected. Get in touch with family and friends to share your thoughts and have a chat.

We know that Christmas often brings stress, but the coronavirus crisis means that for many people it may be particularly tough this year. Read our guide for Londoners on how to find support for loneliness during the festive period.

Remember, the NHS website always has the latest information to keep you up-to-date.

Find different ways of staying active.

Being active reduces stress and helps us sleep better.

If you have access to a garden or it is safe for you to visit your local park, then get some fresh air, go for at least a 20-minute walk or a run.

If getting out and moving around is not easy or possible for you, keep moving about indoors as often or as much as you can. Having an exercise routine which you can do at home or locally outdoors is really important and will help give a positive influence on our self-esteem and self-worth.

The Royal Parks’ #WelcomeWinter campaign has some great ideas for how everyone can safely connect with nature, even during the winter months.

Support is available to help you manage debt and money worries

If you are worried about money or need free, impartial advice, there is support available.

Debt Free London: 0800 808 5700
Call or WhatsApp message for assistance on a wide range of issues, including council tax, rent arrears, utility bills and benefit overpayments. Advisors are available to help weekdays from 10am until 5pm.

Christians Against Poverty: 0800 328 0006
Advice on budgeting and debt support, regardless of your faith or background. Specialist debt help services are free and local to you.

Or you can watch now an NHS wellbeing webinar on managing financial anxiety with experts from Money A&E and Mental Health and Money Advice.

Help is available if you are in personal difficulty or experiencing low income

If you find yourself in urgent financial or personal need, there is support and information available for you.

Turn2us: 0808 802 2000
Advice with accessing crisis grants, welfare benefits and where to find debt help, available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Shelter: 0808 800 4444 (free helpline) or 0344 515 1540 (London helpline, charges may apply)
Advice after a sudden drop in income, including housing and household bills.

The Trussell Trust: 0808 208 2138
Advice when facing financial difficulties, as well as helping you find your local foodbank for an emergency food parcel.

There is also a range of helpful resources and guidance on City Hall’s Hub if you’re feeling anxious or stressed about work, housing or personal difficulties.

Help is available if you are not OK

Things can feel very hard at times. Support is available for whatever you are going through, there is hope and you are not alone.

These helplines are free and confidential:

Samaritans: 116 123
Whatever problems you are facing Samaritans are there to listen

SHOUT: Text Shout to 85258
Text service for support with any mental health concern (it will not show up on your bill)

CRUSE: 0808 808 1677
Support and advice if you are grieving or dealing with bereavement