Useful resources to support your wellbeing

Learn how to identify positive personal resources that can improve your mood and, wellbeing, and learn how to use them

Two people holding cards with paintings of plants

Useful resources can be used to support our wellbeing and mental health daily, or when we're going through times of change. Learn about the importance of positive resources, how to identify them from the things you have around you and what you can use to help improve your wellbeing and build resilience.


What is a "resource"?

When we say “resource” we mean anything that is helpful to you. A resource is normally something physical, like food, water, or an object, but it can also mean anything that we can use for a positive purpose, such as people we can rely on or skills we have. Another way to describe it is the people, places, and things that we can use to help us do something.

Overcoming any challenge requires the right tools for the job. But how do we know what the right tools, in this case our resources, are?

First it helps to think about the problem. Let’s say someone was feeling lonely or isolated and wanted to feel better connected to others. What resources could they use to help them? For example, they could use a phone to call someone they know for a chat. Or they could use a computer to look up local clubs in their area where they can meet new people.

Learning to identify the resources you have access too can help you feel more empowered and build resilience.

Identifying your resources

Sometimes it helps to take a minute to reflect on the things you have around you that you can use to help yourself. This video will help you identify those resources and create a toolbox to use when facing challenging situations.

If it helps, you can categorise the resources you have into:

  • People you have
  • Places you can go
  • Things you can use

 

Tip: Take a walk around your house, look through your contact list or look up the places you can access in your community to really understand the things you have access to around you.

You will need a pen and paper

Using your resources

Now you have identified the resources you have around you, it is time to think about what use they have. It could be a practical use, such as a phone to call people, or it could have a positive emotional use, such as that object or person, or place makes you feel happy, and improves your wellbeing.

Think about

imagine that someone was stressed. How might they use a book to help them? Or their best friend? Or a park?

Things might have more than one use, and every person might want to use the same resources, differently. Look at your toolbox of resources, how could each of these things help you feel better?

Write a note next to each one.

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Developing resourcefulness

Being resourceful means being able to find and use our resources well. It is an important skill to have for being resilient and overcoming challenges. Learning how to better identify which of your useful resources can increase your resilience and ability to cope with problems.

Think about

Take a minute to think about what resources you have around you that are useful and can help you when you need support. Writing these resources down and creating your own resources toolkit can help you be more resourceful in future.

Above-angle shot of a woman writing in a journal

Use our resources to support your wellbeing

As well as your own resources, you can also use our range of activity packs to provide support for everyday life. Filled with activities and ideas, they have been specially created to encourage you be kind to yourself, boost wellbeing and help develop personal skills. 

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Self kindness toolkit activity pack

For activities offline, try downloading the self-kindness toolkit (PDF) which includes information and engaging activities to boost your wellbeing.

 

Ways to support your wellbeing

Everyone will need support at different times in their lives. Managing your wellbeing and mental health can help you build resilience and make it easier to deal with harder moments. Use our wellbeing activities and information for help on managing your wellbeing, or try these resources.