5 Ways to Wellbeing
Strong social relationships that are supportive, encouraging, and meaningful as well as having a wider social network are important for a feeling of connectedness and self-worth. Having a social life is critical for mental wellbeing and an effective buffer against mental health conditions.
What can I do?
Connect… with people
- Ring a family member or friend you don’t see regularly
- Re-connect with someone who is important to you that you may have drifted apart from
- Join in social activities with family and or friends or go to work social events
- Do something fun or spontaneous with someone else
- Say hello to someone you may normally not talk to
Being generous and actively participating in your community is very beneficial. Volunteering and getting involved in your community is strongly linked with positive feelings. Helping others, sharing your life skills and experiences, and behaviours that promote a sense of purpose and teamwork can help to increase self-worth.
What can I do?
Give… your time to others and yourself
- Do something nice for a family member, friend or a stranger
- Volunteer your time to help others in school, charity shops, community centres, library
- Recycle and reduce waste
- Give some time to yourself to recharge
Developing skills that increase awareness of what is immediately happening (both physically and mentally, and within and around us) improves wellbeing. Being present leads to heightened self-knowledge that increases our ability to spot negative behaviours or thought patterns, and to be proactive in choosing more positive behaviours.
What can I do?
Take Notice… of what is happening in and around you
- Stop and make time on a daily basis to enjoy the good things or the beauty around you
- Learn some mindfulness techniques such as; Deep breathing and body relaxation exercises
- Name 5 things you can see, hear, feel, smell and touch around you
- Do things that relax you, read, listen to music, do something creative
- Sort out a cupboard, draw or wardrobe that you have been meaning to do
- Allow time to reflect on the things that have been positive that day or week
Learning, remaining curious and setting goals is important for people of all ages. Learning is any approach that helps maintain curiosity and an enquiring mind. Setting goals for yourself that are positively focused and of interest are strongly linked with higher levels of wellbeing.
What can I do?
Keep Learning… and be curious
- Try something new
- Make a list of things you want to do or experience in your life
- Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving
- Take up a new hobby or rediscover an old interest
- Learn more about your family tree, your ancestors, your culture or your family traditions or about a country, topic, or area of interest like geography or history
Physical activity increases wellbeing as well as lowering depression and anxiety. It increases self-belief, the ability to cope with difficult situations, and provides a sense of mastery.
What can I do?
Be Active… and eat well
- Regularly do a physical activity you enjoy
- Leave the car at home and walk to the shop or get off the bus a stop early and walk the last part of your journey
- Drink plenty of water
- Include five servings of vegetables, two serves of fruit and protein daily
- Keep your caffeine intake to a minimum