5 ways to wellbeing

The Five Ways to Wellbeing - Connect with People, Be Active, Take Notice, Learning New Skills, and Give to Others and Take Notice are simple yet powerful practices that promote mental, emotional, and physical health. These principles, developed by the New Economics Foundation, provide a holistic approach to enhancing wellbeing by encouraging small, meaningful actions in everyday life. Incorporating these into daily routines can lead to long-term improvements in mood, resilience, and overall quality of life.

Step 1 - Connect with people

1Connect

Good relationships are important. They can:
• help you belong and give you self-worth
• give you chances to share good experiences
• give you support and help you to support others

- Call or text someone: Check in with a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.
- Schedule social time: Plan regular meetups like coffee dates, walks, or meals with loved ones.
- Join a group or class: Look for community groups, classes or activities (e.g., book clubs, sports teams, or hobby groups).
- Be present: Actively listen and engage with those around you during conversations.

Step 2 - Be active

2Be active

Being fit is good for your physical health and mental wellbeing.
It can help you by:
• raising your self-esteem
• helping you to set goals and achieve
• make changes in your brain to change your mood

- Take short walks: Go for a brisk walk during lunch breaks or after dinner.
- Try new activities: Experiment with yoga, dancing, swimming, or a fun fitness class.
- Bike or walk instead of driving: Incorporate movement into your commute or errands.
- Stretch daily: Even light stretching in the morning or evening helps improve circulation and mood.

Step 3 - Learn new skills

3Learn

Learning new skills can improve your wellbeing by:
• boosting your confidence and raising self-esteem
• giving you a sense of purpose
• helping you connect with others

- Read regularly: Pick up books, listen to audiobooks, or explore new articles on topics you enjoy.
- Enroll in a class: Check out Adult Education's offer, online platforms.
- Learn by doing: Try DIY projects, cooking new recipes, or gardening.
- Set a small goal: Learn a few words in a new language or complete a puzzle or craft project.

Step 4 - Give to others

4Give to others

Being kind and giving to others can help by:
• making you feel positive and feel rewarded
• giving you a sense of purpose
• helping you connect with others

- Small acts of kindness: Compliment someone, hold the door open, or write a thank-you note.
- Volunteer: Find a local organization that aligns with your values (animal shelters, food banks, etc.).
- Share your time or skills: Offer to help a friend with a task or share expertise with someone who could use it.
- Donate: Give to a cause you care about, whether it’s money, clothes, or time.

Step 5 - Take notice

5Take notice

Paying attention to the present moment or being mindful can help you
to enjoy life and understand yourself better.

- Practice gratitude: Write down three things you're thankful for each day.
- Enjoy nature: Spend time in a park, garden, or just look at the sky to reconnect with the environment.
- Slow down: Notice the taste of your food, the feeling of the sun on your face, or the sounds around you.
- Mindfulness exercises: Try simple breathing exercises.