The 5 Ways To Wellbeing are exactly what they sound like: 5 ways to boost wellbeing and support mental health, that anybody can do as part of their daily life.
They were developed from research by the New Economics Foundation, and there’s a wealth of evidence supporting their effectiveness.
Read on to discover the 5 Ways To Wellbeing, and then give them a go yourself!
1. Connect
Connecting with other people is so important for your emotional wellbeing. Building and maintaining positive relationships can give you a sense of belonging, remind you that you are valued, and is key to building a support network.
Connecting with others can look like:
- Putting aside quality time to really connect with the people you see every day
- Reaching out to somebody you haven’t seen in a while to meet up or have a phone call
- Meeting new people by joining a club of people who share your interests
2. Be Active
Being physically active can do wonders for your mental and physical health. It can raise your mood, improve your self-esteem, make you sleep better, and reduce anxiety.
Being physically active can include:
- Playing a sport with a group of friends
- Going for a walk in your local area
- Doing work in your garden or around your house
3. Take Notice
Taking the time to take notice of the present moment brings with it several benefits to your mental health. It can help you enjoy where you are in life, and properly appreciate your surroundings. It can help you understand yourself better, particularly how you are feeling. It can even just improve your mood more generally!
Ways to take notice of the moment include:
- Guided Meditation
- Practising mindfulness while doing an everyday activity, like going for a walk or eating lunch
- Building a routine to free yourself of micro decisions, or depart from your routine to get a new perspective on the world
4. Keep Learning
Learning new skills and developing yourself is a great way to maintain your mental health. By doing so, you can help raise your self-esteem, build a sense of purpose and give yourself more control over your life.
Ways to learn include:
- Reading about something you’re interested in
- Taking on a new hobby or project at home
- Signing up for a new course or qualification
5. Give
Giving to others, and other acts of kindness, have a real positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing. Fundamentally, it makes you feel good to good. It is also important in giving yourself a sense of purpose, helping you build a community, and giving you ways to connect with those around you.
Giving to others can look like:
- Volunteering for a community group or charity
- Offering help to someone you know you needs it
- Listening carefully when somebody is upset and needs to talk