People across Scotland urged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease

Scots are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of adults who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.

Article Source: Scottish Government
Last Updated: 11 June 2021 12:24

The Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign has been designed to help people look after their mental health as life gets busier, providing hints and tips to help those feeling nervous or overwhelmed.

With research showing over half of adults (55 per cent) in Scotland are still worried about the coronavirus situation, tips to help feel calmer include keeping active, staying connected with others, planning ahead before leaving the house, being around nature and taking deep breaths.

The campaign also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.

Principal Medical Officer, Dr Alastair Cook said: “As we gradually come out of lockdown and life gets busier, it’s important to continue to look after ourselves, and others. Each change brings another adjustment, and whilst many will welcome having more freedoms, feelings of worry are natural as we start to go out more.

“This survey indicates people are at different stages in their journey out of lockdown, and it’s encouraging to see many are taking things at their own pace. Simple steps such as mentally preparing yourself for meeting up with others, getting regular exercise, keeping in touch with friends and family and getting outside as the weather starts to improve can help you cope as things change.

“If you’re feeling anxious, try to limit the time you allow yourself to worry and take deep breaths if you start to feel overwhelmed. Remember that support is there if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart, said: “We have lived with necessary restrictions on our lives to reduce the transmission of coronavirus for a long time now. As these restrictions ease, many people are understandably nervous or worried about the changes. We have all had to cope and adapt to control the virus and now we are having to cope and adapt to new freedoms. It is more important than ever to look after our mental health and wellbeing. This campaign highlights the things we can do to look after ourselves, and each other.”

To find other tips to help you cope, visit clearyourhead.scot

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Flag raised to commemorate Armed Forces Day in East Renfrewshire

East Renfrewshire Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag today to mark Armed Forces Day which will be held on Saturday 28th June.

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Just Announced: Stars Set for the Stage at Eastwood Park Theatre

Eastwood Park Theatre has announced a whole host of brand-new shows featuring well-known faces.

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches search for sports supporting superstars

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a search for local sports supporters in the community to recognise at its annual Sport and Physical Activity Awards.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Veterans celebrate Health for Heroes Award at VE Day event

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure invited veterans for afternoon tea at Barrhead Foundry to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.