Top Tips - The 5 Ways to Mental Wellbeing
There are plenty of things that you can do to stay well and look after your mental health and well-being. The Government Office for Science produced a large report on the evidence for how best we can do this. They have found that there are 5 things we could all do each day that can improve our mental health and wellbeing, levels of happiness and life satisfaction.
So what do you think? Give them a try and see if they work for you. If they aren’t all your cup of tea have a think about what works for you.
Step 1: Connect
Developing relationships with your family, friends, people at work, your neighbours and people in communities will enrich your life and bring you support. Your local library is a great source of information about activities and groups in your area. Find your local library
Step 2: Be active
Playing sports, hobbies such as gardening or dancing, or just a daily stroll will make you feel good and maintain mobility and fitness. It provides fresh air, the opportunity to get out and about, social contacts and releases ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain.
Step 3: Take notice, be curious
We all lead busy lives, but taking time to appreciate your surroundings, enjoy everyday moments as well as the unusual and reflecting on them helps you to appreciate what matters to you.
Step 4: Learn
Fixing a bike, learning an instrument, cooking, gardening – the challenge and satisfaction brings fun and confidence.
Step 5: Give
Helping friends and strangers links your happiness to a wider community and is very rewarding. It makes them feel good and you too. Volunteering is a one way to do this. It is a great way to meet new people and gain new experiences.
www.do-it.org.uk is an excellent website which contains lots of information about volunteering. The Community Service Volunteers also offer advice and information about volunteering.