5 Ways to Wellbeing
Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
Everyone will have different things that work for them. Some people will find that one of the 5 ways is most effective, and others might find that a combination of different ways works best for them.
We’re encouraging you to consider trying to build one or more of these into your regular routines to see if they have a positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing. If they do, then incorporating them on a permanent basis could see a long-term improvement in your overall wellbeing.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are:
1. Connect
2. Get active
3. Take notice
4. Keep learning
5. Give
Connect
Connecting with others can help us feel close to people and valued for who we are. It could be spending time and building relationships with family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, or it could be making new connections with people you don’t know.
Being social also means different things for different people – some prefer quieter situations with one or two people, whereas others prefer being in big groups.
Get active
Many people find that physical activity helps them maintain positive mental health. This doesn't have to mean running marathons or training every day at the gym. There are lots of different things you can do to be a bit more active.
Studies have shown that getting active can help you sleep better and have happier moods. It can also reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and racing thoughts.
Take notice
Reminding yourself to take notice of the things around you can help you to be aware of how you're feeling. This could be recognising what makes you happy, but it could also be understanding what triggers feelings of stress and anxiety so you can manage those situations better.
Some studies have shown that savouring ‘the moment’ can also help you to feel more positive about life.
Keep learning
We're always learning new things – often without realising it. Feeling like you're learning and developing can boost your self-esteem, confidence and create a sense of achievement.
It doesn’t have to be enrolling on a formal course, it could be taking up a hobby, reading a book, trying a new recipe or taking part in a quiz.
Give
Research suggests that actions of giving and kindness can improve mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward, giving a feeling of purpose and self-worth and helping to connect with other people.
This could either be a small act of kindness or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.
You can also find out more about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing on the Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council websites.