5 Steps to Positive Wellbeing
Evidence provided by the NHS suggests that there are 5 key steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. In doing so you may feel a greater sense of positivity and purpose about life:
1) Connect with other people
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:
- help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
- give you an opportunity to share positive experiences
- provide emotional support and allow you to support others
It could help you to:
- if possible, take time each day to be with your family
- try switching off the TV to talk or play a game with your children, friends or family
- make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family. Video-chat apps like Skype and FaceTime are useful.
2) Be physically active
Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
- raising your self-esteem
- helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them
It could help you to:
- find free activities to help you get fit
- start running with our couch to 5k podcasts
- find out how to start swimming, cycling or dancing.
3) Learn new skills
Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:
- boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
- helping you to build a sense of purpose
- helping you to connect with others.
It could help you to:
- try learning to cook something new. Find out about healthy eating and cooking tips
- work on a DIY project, such as fixing a broken bike, garden gate or something bigger. There are lots of free video tutorials online
- try new hobbies that challenge you, such as writing a blog or taking up a new sport.
4) Give to others
Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:
- creating positive feelings and a sense of reward
- giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
- helping you connect with other people
You could try:
- saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you
- asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer
- offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project
5) Pay attention to the present moment; Mindfulness
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.
More information can be found at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/improve-mental-wellbeing/