Five Ways to Well-being
The Five Ways to Well-being are suggested actions which people can take
that you may find useful to promote your wellbeing. They are: Connect, Be
Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. These activities are things you
can do in your everyday lives.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we will be sharing ideas
on one way to wellbeing each day, for more information visit
www.mind.org.uk and look for Five Ways to Well-being.
Five Ways to Well-being
Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014
Day One: Connect
Feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that
contributes to functioning well in the world. Social relationships can promote wellbeing.
Put five
minutes aside to
find out how
someone really is
Share a journey
to work or
home with
someone
Speak to
someone new
Talk to someone
instead of
sending an email
Make a connection with
someone today
Ask how
someone’s
weekend was and
really listen when
they tell you
Five Ways to Well-being
Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014
Day Two: Be Active
In times when you are feeling a bit low or stressed, regular physical activity can help you to feel better
and reduce your anxiety. It doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good.
Take the stairs
not the lift
Go for a walk
and talk at
lunchtime
Visit your local
leisure centre
Have a kick-about
in a local park or
use one of the
outdoor gyms in
the city
Get physical today to help
you feel good. Here are
a few ideas…
Walk into work
or back home
Get off the
bus one stop
earlier and walk
the final part of
your journey
Do some ‘easy
exercise’, like
stretching, before
you leave for work
in the morning
For information on what is available in your area
go online at http://www.sportnottinghamshire.co.uk/ or telephone 0115 8483956
Five Ways to Well-being
Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014
Day Three: Take Notice
Being aware of what is ‘taking place’ in the present can enhance your well-being, it also enhances your
self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.
Take a different
route on your
journey to or
from work
Find out what
is going on in
your
neighbourhood
Visit a new
place for lunch
Enjoy the moment and
the environment around
you
Have a ‘clear
the clutter’
day
Get a plant for
your workspace
Take notice of
how those you
care about are
feeling or acting
Five Ways to Well-being
Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014
Day 4: Keep Learning
Continued learning through life can enhance your self-esteem and encourage social interaction and a
more active life.
Read the
news or a
book
Do a crossword
or Sudoku
Research
something you’ve
always wondered
about
Sign up for a
class
Why not learn
something new
today?
Learn a new
word
Find out
something
about your
colleagues
Set up a book
club
Five Ways to Well-being
Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014
Day Five: Give
Offering an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period can increase your wellbeing.
Talk to a
neighbour who
may be lonely
Ask those you
care about if
you can help
Here are some ideas…
Find out about
volunteering
opportunities
Help someone
who is ill by
taking their dog
for a walk
Help out at
your local
community
centre