Self-care is about looking after yourself, living a healthy lifestyle and focusing on what you can do, rather than things you cannot. It’s also about taking responsibility for your own health and wellbeing with the support of the people involved with your care.
It starts with simple things like brushing your teeth regularly, taking medicine when you have a cold, or making time to exercise.
General health
Staying in good health is important to all of us and can become particularly important as you get older. Whatever your abilities, there are many things you can do to lead a healthy life, such as:
- Stay healthy by eating well and being active
- Make time to spend with friends
- Get a flu jab each year if you’re in a vulnerable group
- If necessary keep one room warm in winter and wear sensible footwear to reduce the risk of falls
- Learning to manage your condition is a good thing, it puts you in control, improves your quality of life and helps you to stay healthy. Information and support is available to help you to do this
- Talk to your healthcare professional and pharmacist about the services and support available to help you live with your long-term condition
- Exercising and moving more reduces your chance of getting a range of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and even dementia.
- If you’re older, moving more helps to improve your balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falls. Exercise also increases your chance of living longer and has a positive impact on your mental health and mood.
- For more information, visit the NHS
Visit NHS health checks or our public health pages, for more advice on how to achieve a healthy mind and body.
5 ways to wellbeing (mental health)
The Five ways to wellbeing video (Mental Health) has been brought together through the Mental Health Partnership Board working in collaboration with the Voluntary Community Groups.
- Five ways to wellbeing (Mental Health steps)
- If you would like to find support groups to offer more advice and support please see entries in the Resource Directory .
- Healthy Enfield information on Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- For more information on our Specialist support Mental Health information page.
Keeping up with friends, family and the local community
Getting out and about and keeping up relationships will help you stay happy and healthy for longer and give you a network of support:
- Community groups and activities - visit the Resource directory and find out what is gong on locally.
- Local libraries
- Volunteering in Enfield (Enfield Voluntary Action Group)
See more ideas on activities and things to do in Enfield for 14-25 years old, please visit the main Council's website.
View our Resource Directory to search for things to do which you may be interested in.
See more information on reducing social isolation/loneliness
Ageing well guide
Looking after yourself or someone you care for - Ageing well guide
Warm, well and safe this winter
There’s a lot of things you can do to prepare for the winter months, such as looking after yourself and your home.
If you know an elderly or vulnerable person, someone who lives alone or has poor health, then ask if you can do something for them this winter. Quite often, older and vulnerable people will struggle along, even when things are getting too much, and be reluctant to ask for help. This can lead to them restricting their lifestyle as they worry about being unable to cope, and they can end up isolated and depressed.
Sometimes something as simple as someone popping in for a cup of tea and a chat, so they have someone to talk to, picking up prescriptions, helping with shopping or putting out the rubbish is enough. Not only will you be doing something practical to improve their life, but they’ll know that somebody is looking out for them, which can boost their confidence.
For more information see the Winter Warmth Booklet
Emotional health and wellbeing
You are not alone. 1 in 4 of us experience problems with our emotional health and wellbeing at some point in our lives.
Help is at hand in many forms to support you through tough times, use the search bar to find some local support in the Resource Directory.
You can also view the guidelines in the leaflet.
Eat well – Healthy eating and drinking
Keep hydrated – This is important for maintaining good health. Dehydration (takes you to the NHS webpage on dehydration) is a frequent cause for hospitalisation of older and vulnerable people. If you are having problems getting out to the shops to buy food, or preparing food for yourself at home, then our page on help with meals offers some ideas on how you can overcome these problems.
Healthy eating – Eating a varied and balanced diet is important as this will reduce the risk of malnutrition. By making small changes to your diet you can improve your wellbeing and reduce the risk of developing illness and serious disease. The key to a healthy diet is eating the right amount of food for how active you are and eating a range of foods to make sure you’re getting a balanced diet. Visit NHS choices for more information.
Eating well can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. If you have a specific health condition, your doctor will advise you on the best diet. For more information, see:
When we eat well we sleep better, more energy and better concentration.
When we eat well we are less likely to develop:
- tooth decay
- heart disease
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- some types of cancer
When we eat well we are less likely to be seriously ill from some infectious diseases such as coronavirus.
Healthy eating is not about cutting out foods – it’s about eating a wide variety of foods in the right amounts to give your body what it needs. There are no single foods you must eat or menus you need to follow to eat healthily. You just need to make sure you get the right balance of different foods.
The pyramid in the Eat well leaflet helps you know what foods you should eat more of and what their environmental impact is.
If you would like to find support groups to offer more advice and support, see entries in the Resource Directory.
For more information on Eating Well and Staying Active, visit Healthy Enfield.
Keeping active
Being physically active is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental wellbeing. Regular activity can help reduce your risk of developing a range of health conditions, improve your mood, and support a longer, healthier life. It is not just about increasing life expectancy, but also healthy life expectancy, helping you stay independent and able to do the things you enjoy as you get older.
Being active is often easier than you think, especially when you make it part of your daily routine. Physical activity does not have to mean sport or exercise. Walking or cycling to the shops, gardening, housework, running errands, or taking the dog for a walk all count. However you choose to do it, the important thing is to be as active as possible and start small if needed.
If you are looking for ideas on how to get started, visit NHS - Get Active Your Way for practical tips and advice.
Active Enfield offers a wide range of opportunities to get moving, including badminton, bowls, swimming, exercise and dance classes, and walking football. Finding an activity you enjoy, or doing it with a friend, can make it easier to stay active and build it into your everyday life.
You can view the guidelines in our Be active leaflet.
If you would like to find support groups to offer more advice and support please see entries in the Resource Directory.
Other useful links:
Giving up smoking
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but the right support can make a big difference. People who use stop smoking support are much more likely to quit successfully than those who try to stop on their own.
Whether you prefer support from a specialist advisor or through an online app, free support is available to help you become smoke free. This includes access to stop smoking aids such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), prescription medication and vapes.
We encourage residents to use the following services:
- Smokefree Enfield – receive free, one-to-one support from specialist stop smoking advisors who can help you create a personalised quit plan, provide ongoing encouragement, and arrange access to free quit aids.
- Sign up online, Call 020 3633 5033 or Text QUIT to 66777
- Smokefree App – access free digital support anytime, anywhere. The app provides tailored quit plans, progress tracking, daily motivation, expert advice, and access to free quit aids, helping you stay on track throughout your quit journey.
- Download the Smoke Free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Taking the first step towards quitting can improve your health, save you money, and benefit those around you. Whatever approach you choose, support is available to help you succeed.
Benefits of being smoke free
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing. Becoming smoke free can help you:
- Spend more quality time with family and friends by improving your health and energy levels.
- Save money that can be spent on the things that matter most to you.
- Breathe more easily and feel fitter for everyday activities.
- Improve your sense of taste and smell.
- Reduce your risk of serious health conditions, including cancer, heart disease and stroke.
- Protect children, family members and others from the harms of second-hand smoke.
- Improve your overall mental health, wellbeing and feel more in control of your health.
No matter how long you've smoked, it's never too late to quit, and support is available to help you succeed.
Check out Benefits of quitting smoking - Better Health - NHS for more information.
View What smoking does to the body leaflet.
For more information visit Healthy Enfield - Stop smoking.
Sexual health
Good sexual health is an important part of being healthy. It is vital that everyone is able to make the right choices so they can build fulfilling relationships and protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections, and unwanted pregnancies. It is also knowing how to access care when you need it.
In the UK, sexual health services are entirely free, confidential, and open to all ages and are designed to support you without judgement regardless of whether you have a GP or your immigration status. Depending on your location, you can access free care through local clinics, pharmacies, or dedicated online portals.
Tips for your sexual health
View Tips for your sexual health factsheet.
For more information on where you can access sexual health services and contraceptive support locally, visit Healthy Enfield - sexual health.
If you are looking for localized support in the UK, you can find your nearest confidential clinic using the NHS Sexual Health Service Finder.
Self-sampling for STi testing can be accessed through https://www.shl.uk/
Alcohol and Drug support in Enfield
Your health and wellbeing matter. Understanding how alcohol and drugs can affect you can help you make informed choices and recognise when you or someone you care about may need support.
If you are concerned about your alcohol or drug use, are thinking about making a change, or are worried about someone else, free and confidential support is available in Enfield.
Alcohol
Many people drink alcohol as part of social occasions or relaxation. However, if you are drinking alcohol regularly and you or those close to you feel it is affectingyour physical health, emotional wellbeing and impacting your life.
Possible signs that alcohol may be causing harm include:
- changes to your sleep or energy levels
- changes in your mood or mental wellbeing
- difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- drinking more often or more than you intended
- finding it difficult to reduce how much you drink
- relying on alcohol to relax, cope or manage difficult feelings
- changes in your relationships, work or daily responsibilities
- feeling unwell after drinking or when you have not had alcohol
- accidents or injuries linked to drinking
- concerns raised by family members, friends or other people around you
Having one of these experiences does not necessarily mean that you have an alcohol problem. However, if you are concerned about how alcohol is affecting you, advice and support are available.
Lower-risk drinking
To keep health risks from alcohol low, adults are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week.
If you regularly drink up to 14 units a week, it is best to spread your drinking over three or more days.
Fourteen units is approximately equivalent to:
- 14 single measures of spirits (25ml, 40% ABV)
- 6 glasses of wine (175ml, 13% ABV)
- 6 pints of standard-strength beer, lager or cider (568ml, 4% ABV)
The number of units in a drink varies depending on its size and alcohol content.
You can find further information in the Alcohol guidelines leaflet (PDF, 1264.94 KB).
Keep track of your alcohol-free days
The NHS Drink Free Days app is a simple and easy way to keep track of the days you drink alcohol and the days you don't.
Using alcohol-free days can help you become more aware of your drinking habits and support you if you choose to cut down.
Drugs
Understanding drugs and medicines
When we talk about drug-related harm, we do not only mean illegal drugs. Difficulties can also arise from the use of other substances and, in some circumstances, medicines that have been prescribed or bought over the counter.
Medicines are prescribed for valid health reasons, and many people take them safely and benefit from them. Taking prescribed medication does not mean that someone has a drug problem or will develop an addiction.
However, some medicines can be associated with dependence or withdrawal. These include certain opioid painkillers, medicines used for anxiety or sleeping problems, and gabapentinoids. This does not mean that everyone who takes these medicines will experience difficulties. [nice.org.uk]
Dependence and addiction are not the same thing. Physical dependence can happen when the body adapts to a medicine. This may lead to withdrawal symptoms if the dose is reduced or stopped. Addiction can involve a strong urge to use a substance, difficulty controlling its use and continuing to use it despite harmful consequences.
Someone may benefit from advice if they:
- are worried about their use of illegal drugs, medicines or another substance;
- are taking more of a medicine than prescribed or recommended;
- are taking it more often or for a different reason than intended;
- feel unable to manage without it;
- have tried to reduce or stop but have found it difficult;
- experience unwanted symptoms when reducing or missing a dose;
- are concerned that substance use is affecting their health, wellbeing, relationships or everyday life.
These experiences should not be a source of blame or shame. A person may have started taking medication for an appropriate medical reason and later need advice about continuing, reducing or stopping it safely.
If you are concerned about prescribed medication
Continue taking your medicine as prescribed and speak to the healthcare professional responsible for your treatment, such as your GP, pharmacist or prescriber.
Do not stop or change the dose of a prescribed medicine without professional advice. Some medicines need to be reduced gradually through an agreed and supported plan. NICE advises against abruptly stopping medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms except in exceptional medical circumstances. [nice.org.uk]
If you think you are experiencing harm, dependence or difficulty controlling your use, you can ask for help. A healthcare professional can discuss your medication and help identify the most appropriate support.
Getting drug and alcohol support in Enfield
Adults living in Enfield can contact Enable Enfield for confidential drug and alcohol advice and support. Enfield | Drug and Alcohol
Young people under 25 can contact Sort IT! by Insight Enfield for confidential support relating to their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. Insight Enfield - Insight
Support is also available for family members, friends and carers who are concerned about someone else.
Oral health (mouth care)
Taking good care of your mouth, teeth and gums is a worthy goal in and of itself. Good oral and dental hygiene can help prevent bad breath, toot decay and gum disease.
View Top tips for a healthy mouth
For more information on oral health advice for your child, please visit Children's teeth - NHS
For general advice for adults and children, please visit Take care of your teeth and gums - NHS
Financial health
Understand Your Financial Situation
Start by tracking your income and expenses. List all sources of income and categorize your spending into essentials (rent, groceries, utilities) and discretionary items (entertainment, dining out) to see where your money goes. This may help to identify areas to cut back and redirect funds toward savings or debt repayment.
Create a Realistic Budget
A structured budget is key. The 50/30/20 rule is a useful guideline: 50% of income for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. Adjust percentages based on your goals and financial situation. Consistently reviewing your budget ensures you stay aligned with your objectives.
‘Savings’ includes ‘pension’. Ideally start contributing to your pension as soon as possible and take advantage of any employer contribution. Compound interest means that starting sooner can make a significant difference to your final pension pot.
Build an Emergency Fund
Aim to save 3–6 months of living expenses in a high-yield savings account. This cushion protects you from unexpected events like job loss, medical bills, or car repairs without relying on credit.
Manage and Reduce Debt
Pay off high-interest debt first and avoid accumulating new debt. Use strategies like the debt avalanche (paying highest interest first) to systematically reduce liabilities
Live Below Your Means
Spending less than you earn is fundamental. Avoid lifestyle inflation, prioritize needs over wants, and make conscious choices to save and invest for the future
Save and Invest for the Future
Beyond emergency savings, contribute regularly to retirement accounts, investment portfolios, or other long-term goals. Even small, consistent contributions grow over time due to compounding
Monitor and Adjust
Financial stability is an ongoing process. Regularly review your budget, track progress toward goals, and adjust spending or saving habits as circumstances change
View guidelines in the Financial health factsheet.
For more information on our Financial Advice page
Housing
Having a suitable home is important for your health and wellbeing - look after it and it’ll look after you.
Damp houses have more mould spores in them, which can cause or worsen existing respiratory diseases, including asthma.
There may be other things to look out for in homes, for example overcrowding, fire hazards, overheating, very old or broken boilers, noise, inadequate lighting and hoarding.
View guidelines in the Housing health factsheet.