the five ways to wellbeing

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1. connect: with friends, family and the people around you: Evidence indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world. How do I do this? “Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. 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 you every day.” The benefits? 1. It can help to reduce isolation 2. Be a part of your community 3. Meet new friends 4. Gets you out and about 5. It may promote feelings of happiness

2. be active: physical activity is good for physical and psychological health: Regular physical activity has been associated with a greater sense of wellbeing and lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. How do I do this? Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Discover a physical activity you enjoy and one that suits your level of fitness.The benefits? 1. Improve your physical health 2. It can help to lift mood 3. It can help improve self esteem 4. It can reduce the risk of stress

3. take notice: be aware of the world, be grateful for what you have, try mindfulness: Taking notice is about becoming aware of your own thoughts, feelings and behaviours, as well as becoming more aware of the world around you. Research has shown that taking notice can help you to
become more self-aware as well as help you to appreciate what matters to you in your life. How do I do this? “Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. 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.”The benefits? 1. It may help you to become more self-aware 2. Appreciate
what matters to you in your life 3. It may help you to make better choices in life 4. Appreciate your surroundings

4. keep learning: try a new skill or hobby, go back to school/college/university: Taking part in lifelong learning has been shown to have a positive impact on our well-being and resilience levels. For adults, learning throughout life has the benefits of enhancing self-esteem and encouraging a more active life. For children, learning has been shown to play an important role in social development. How do I do this? “Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.” The benefits? 1. Learn new skills 2. It may help increase confidence and self-esteem 3. Develop your social skills 4. Have fun!

5. give: help, share, and give back to others: by participating, by being a valuable member of any group you're part of, by supporting your peers, by passing on the wisdom of your experience: Feelings of happiness and life-satisfaction have been associated with getting involved in social and community life. Helping, sharing and giving behaviours are likely to be associated with an increased sense of self-worth and positive feelings. How do I do this? “Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and will create connections with the people around you.” The benefits? 1. It may promote feelings of happiness and life satisfaction 2. Contribute to your community 3. Make a difference 4. May help you to find more meaning in life