Relaxing is something we should all do.  It can be a very personal thing and equally very sociable.

Photography, radio, film-making, theatre, writing, storytelling, reading, quilt-making, music and painting are all activities which connect us with the world and people around us.  Even laughing is  agreat way to reduce tension.

Arts and Culture

Liverpool was designated the 2008 European Capital of Culture.  We have an unrivalled musical heritage, we are a designated world heritage site and from sports, to art, to literature, to museums, to theatre or the main entertainment organisations it is hard not to get involved in our culture.

Arts and cultural activities make a significant contribution to our psychological, spiritual and social wellbeing.  It stimulates the sense – sight, sound, touch and feelings.

Even comedy has a role as it is often said that ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and research shows that the chemical changes that occur in the brain whilst laughing alter mood and make us feel good.  Liverpool is home to Laughology who work with people to promote new ways of thinking and acting that can be learnt and then applied to every area of life and promotes wellbeing .

0844 800 1701  www.laughology.com

The experience of 2008 confirmed the importance of culture in our lives for Liverpool residents and visitors.  The rich variety of cultural events is uplifting and reinforces pride in our city.

And the show goes on so get involved and find out what is happening at:

0151 233 2008  www.liverpool.gov.uk/culture

Relaxation

Perhaps you can indulge in a long warm bath, take up a hobby or just settle down with a good book, movie or listen to some music.  Just focusing on your breathing and inhaling and exhaling slowly or tensing and then slowly relaxing muscles are great ways to relax.  A variety of therapies that help you relax are available locally.  Choose one that makes you feel good.

Contact your Neighbourhood Services for more information.

'Liverpool Wellbeing' is a centre of excellence for complementary therapies based in a superbly renovated georgian town house on Hope Street (includes Liverpool Yoga Centre and Liverpool Massage Centre).

0151 709 9169  www.liverpoolwellbeing.com

Environment - our city our planet

Leisure time spent in the natural environment can help to improve self-confidence, self-image, skills and mood.  Even short walks and look at images of nature can reduce negative feelings, such as anxiety and anger, and increase positive feelings.

Useable green space in neighbourhoods can increase social interaction and reduce isolation.  Regular exposure to the natural environment in childhood is important for social development and influences future physical, mental and social wellbeing as adults.

Patients with a view of gardens and trees have been show to recover more quickly.  Our planners are using healthy urban planning principles to ensure that the built and natural environment including transport and housing are designed to produce the best possible opportunities for better health and well being.

Liverpool is trying to take a step closer to becoming truly green and sustainable by attempting to tackle climate change and reduce its carbon footprint through ‘green initiatives’ all part of an exercise called - Our city. Our planet.  You can get involved and make a difference:

www.ourcityourplanet.org.uk

Spiritual wellbeing and faith

Spiritual wellbeing can be associated with a specific religion but does not have to be.

What is important is your own journey to discover things of importance in life as well as your place among them.  Spirituality and faith provides an opportunity to observe your own life and benefits can include: feeling purpose and meaning in life, accepting the challenges of life, maintaining balances and control, feeling content, having faith or even just finding inner peace.

In Liverpool approximately 80% of people declare themselves of the Christian religion but there are numerous other religions as well as organisations that represent atheists, agnostics and non-believers.

The Liverpool City Council website contains a comprehensive community section including the listings of all organisations:  www.liverpool.gov.uk