The 5 ways to wellbeing are a set of evidence-based actions aimed at improving mental health and overall wellbeing. These actions were developed by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) 1 in 2008 and have since been widely adopted.
5 ways to wellbeing
Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or just not happy with where you are at? You're not alone. With so many of us leading busy lives, it's easy to let our wellbeing slip. But the good news is, there are simple steps you can take to improve how you are feeling and achieve optimal health and wellbeing.
Let's explore the 5 ways to wellbeing.
1. Connect: Humans are social creatures. Strong relationships are essential for our wellbeing. Connecting with others can help us feel loved, valued, and supported. It's important to build and nurture relationships with the people around you, such as family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Spending time with loved ones, having meaningful conversations, joining social groups, volunteering, or participating in community activities.
Top tip: Don't rely on technology or social media alone to build relationships. It's easy to get into the habit of only ever communicating via digital messages.
2. Be Active: Physical activity isn't just good for your body; it's also a great workout for your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and reduce stress. Try engaging in physical activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good. Such as, walking, cycling, playing sports, dancing, gardening, or even simple activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
Top tip: Try not to overcommit yourself to a gym or club that could end up being a 5 minute wonder, do something that you really enjoy.
Exercise is the key, not only to physical health, but to peace of mind.
Nelson Mandella
3. Take Notice: Mindfulness is about being aware of the present moment and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. The wonderful thing is that mindfulness can enhance your appreciation of life and help you to recognise what matters. Mindfulness isn't just about meditation, so if that isn't your thing, you could practice mindfulness by taking time to enjoy nature, observe and sense your surroundings, and be aware of your how it makes you feel.
Top tip: It's good to note that mindfulness isn't about making thoughts go away, but rather about seeing them as mental events that come and go. This can be very hard at first, but with gentle practice and persistence, it is possible.
4. Keep Learning: Learning new things can stimulate your brain, boost your confidence, expand your horizons and give you a sense of accomplishment. Things you could do are to take up a new hobby (this can be great for social connection too), read books or attend workshops on a topic that is new to you, or learn a new skill or language - this list is endless, there are so many ways to keep learning.
Top Tip: This doesn't mean you need to get qualifications or sit exams (unless you want to of course!) Make sure that you have a real interest and passion for what you are learning.
5. Give: Helping others can be incredibly rewarding. It can also reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing. Participating in acts of kindness and generosity can create positive feelings and a sense of reward. Giving to others can also help to create stronger social connections and build a supportive community. Try volunteering, helping a friend or neighbour, showing gratitude, donating to charity, or simply offering a smile and a kind word to a stranger, or someone you know.
Top tip: It seems counter-intuitive to focus on yourself, but research2 suggest that showing ourselves kindness and self-compassion can also greatly benefit our mental health and wellbeing.
5 ways to wellbeing in small steps
Remember, small steps can lead to significant changes in your overall wellbeing. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of transforming your life overnight, but even minor adjustments can make a big difference. Incorporate these 5 ways to wellbeing into your daily life and gradually watch your mood lift, stress reduce, and your overall sense of happiness and fulfillment improve.
It's important to find what works best for you and to be patient with yourself. Everyone's journey to wellbeing is different. Keep in mind that consistency is key, so start small, be patient, and celebrate your progress along the way. Good luck!
Optimal Wellbeing Formula
Optimal wellbeing is more than just the absence of illness; it is a state of thriving in all aspects of life. It encompasses mental health, physical and emotional wellbeing, and a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
References and further reading
1https://neweconomics.org/2008/10/five-ways-to-wellbeing
2https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/featurednews/title_703807_en.html
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/
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