Connecting

Connecting with the people around us is a great way to remind ourselves that we’re important and valued by others.

• Attend an event in your local community
• Make a date with a friend
• Speak to a colleague instead of sending an email
• Reach out to someone new, like a neighbour

 

Giving

Research has found a link between doing good things and an increase in wellbeing.

• Send a friend a card
• Help out with housework at home
• Volunteer time with a local charity
• Thank someone

 

Taking notice

Taking notice of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings is a great way to stay present and pay attention to our needs. Taking notice of things, we’re grateful for, big or small, is a great way to boost our mood and appreciate our surroundings.

• Take time to take a mindful pause and ask yourself how am I today
• Notice what’s around you, bird songs or flowers in the park
• Try doing one thing at a time as mindfully as possible
• Eat one meal a day without checking your phone

 

Learning new things

Learning new things is a good way to meet new people and boost our self confidence, which in turn improves our mental health and wellbeing.

• Take on a new challenge at work
• Visit your local library and find out about courses or workshops
• Learn to fix a puncture
• Learn to play a board game

 

Being active

We know that there’s a link between staying active and positive mental health and wellbeing. By making sure we are regularly moving our bodies, we can look after our mental and physical health at the same time.

• Get outside every day
• Go for a walk around your local park
• Get off the bus a stop early
• Take the stairs instead of the lift

 

Find out more about Five to Thrive

5 to Thrive – steps for wellbeing and mental health (fivetothrive.net)

5 steps to mental wellbeing – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Five ways to wellbeing: New applications, new ways of thinking | New Economics Foundation