Five ways to wellbeing
Five evidence based ways to help us improve our mental wellbeing...
The following suggestions have been taken from the Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project published in October 2008.
The project commissioned the centre for wellbeing at the New Economics Foundation (NEF) to develop 'five ways to wellbeing': a set of evidence-based actions to improve personal wellbeing.
For more information visit: http://www.neweconomics.org
Connect...
With the people around you. With family, friends and colleagues. At home, work, school or in your local community.
Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich your day.
Be Active...
Go for a walk or run. Step outside for a breath of fresh air. Cycle. Play a game/ Dance. Exercising makes you feel good.
Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
Take Notice...
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends.
Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters.
Keep Learning...
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy.
Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
Give...
Do something nice for a friend or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Your actions will make other people feel good too.
Seeing yourself, and your happiness linked to the community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
- Volunteering with the Department of Health & Social Care
- Hospice Isle of Man Volunteers
- Isle of Man Community Foundation
But if things are not going so well...
If you are concerned about your emotional or mental health and are feeling low in mood or anxious, it is a good idea to talk about your feelings. You can talk with family and friends, as well as with your GP.
Remember that worries about mental health are the second most common reason for visiting a doctor, so you are not alone.
