5 WAYS TO WELLBEING
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps people can take to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Each action can fit into everyday life and can help promote wellbeing. These 5 steps are known as the Five Ways To Wellbeing; Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Be Active.
- CONNECT
Good relationships with other people can help you build a sense of belonging and self-worth:
- Say hello to your neighbour
- Communicate and listen to those around you, it can be as simple as asking how someone’s day is going
- Volunteer at a local school, hospital, or community group
- GIVE
Acts of giving and kindness give you a feeling of purpose and self-worth, create positive feelings and a sense of reward:
- Say thank you to someone for something they have done for you
- Ask friends and family how they are and listen to their answer
- Spend time with friends who need support or company
- TAKE NOTICE
Paying more attention to your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you can improve your mental wellbeing. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. Remind yourself to take notice and:
- Listen to natural sounds, such as birds singing
- Reflect on your day and experiences
- Take a different route
- KEEP LEARNING
Learning new skills can help you build a sense of purpose. Rediscover an old interest or learn something new such as:
- Booking onto a course to learn a new set of skills
- Cooking a new food dish
- Learning to play a musical instrument
- Doing a puzzle or crossword
- BE ACTIVE
Regular physical activity can help boost your mood and lower levels of depression and anxiety. Find an activity you enjoy that suits your level of mobility and fitness. You could improve your level of activity by:
- Taking the stairs instead of the lift/escalator
- Getting off the bus a stop early and walking the rest of the way
- Taking your family to the park
- Trying a new exercise class in your leisure centre
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN FEELING LATELY?
MOOD SELF-ASSESSMENT
When it comes to emotions, it can sometimes be hard to recognise or admit that we’re not feeling 100%. If you are aged 16 or over, visit www.nhs.uk/mental-health to take a short questionnaire to. This will:
- Help you better understand how you’ve been feeling over the last 2 weeks
- Point you in the right direction for helpful advice and information
NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE?
Help and support is available right now if you need it. You do not need to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
Call Samaritans free on 116 123 if you want to talk to someone.
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