Wellbeing for Adults
Prioritising our wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us can help us live happier, healthier lives. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple ways to improve mental and social wellbeing.
5 ways to wellbeing
Step 1 – Connect
Connecting with others can help us feel close to people, and valued for who we are. Being social means different things for different people – you might prefer being in quieter situations with one other person, or you might like being in big groups. You might like to connect with people online, or you might enjoy phone calls or sending letters.
Here are some ways you could make a connection today:
If you feel comfortable, you could try speaking to someone new
Ask how someone’s weekend was, and really listen when they tell you
Put 5 minutes aside to find out how a colleague is doing
Give a colleague a lift to work or share the journey home with them
Step 2 – 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, have happier moods, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and racing thoughts.
Here are a few ideas for how you can get active today:
Take the stairs rather than the lift
Go for a walk at lunchtime
Walk into work – maybe you could go with a colleague
Get off the bus a stop earlier than usual and walk the final part of your journey to work
Organise a work sporting activity
Have a kick-about in a local park
Do some stretches before you leave for work in the morning
If you're in the office, walk over to someone’s desk instead of calling or emailing
The 5 ways to wellbeing were developed by the New Economics Foundation, and they're based in evidence and research.
Step 3 – Take notice
Reminding yourself to take notice can help you to be aware of how you're feeling. It can help you understand what triggers your feelings of stress or anxiety.
Some studies have shown that savouring ‘the moment’ can also help you to feel more positive about life.
Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Here are a few ideas:
Get a plant for your workspace
Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day
Take a different route on your journey to or from work
Visit a new place for lunch
Step 4 – Learn
We're always learning new things – often without realising it. Feeling like you're learning and developing can boost your self-esteem.
And sometimes, setting goals can help you to feel more productive and more in control of your life.
What can you learn today? Here are a few ideas:
Find out something about your colleagues
Sign up for a class
Read the news or a book
Set up a book club
Do a crossword or Sudoku
Research something you’ve always wondered about
Learn a new word
Step 5 – Give
There's been lots of research about the effects of taking part in social and community life. Some studies have shown that people who help others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.
Is there anything you can do today, to be kind or helpful to someone else? You could try:
Making a cup of tea for a colleague
Offering to help a colleague with something they're stuck on
Introducing yourself to a new-starter, to help them feel more at ease
Seeing if there are any volunteering initiatives open at work