What is it all about?
Five to Thrive (or 5 ways to wellbeing) is a national initiative promoting positive mental health and general wellbeing. Based on research by the UK government, five key things were identified that promote wellbeing and make our lives happier and more fulfilling.
These are – connecting, being active, learning new things, giving, and taking notice.
In City and Hackney, Five to Thrive offers advice, suggested activities and local events that residents can access to maintain positive mental health and wellbeing through the five ways. If you would like to find out more, download our leaflet for yourself, friends and family. You can find out further information on activities to support Five to Thrive by clicking the button below.
The Five Ways to improve your mental health
What they are, and what you can do:
Connecting
Spending time with family, friends, people in our local community, work or school provides emotional support and also allows us to support them as well.
- It contributes to a sense of belonging and reduces loneliness and isolation.
- Having people around us that we trust, can rely on and who make us feel valued, can positively boosts our wellbeing, happiness and resilience.
- So taking action to build, maintain and strengthen our relationships is so important.
Reflection: Have you reached out, spoken to or spent time with someone today?
Being Active
- There are lots of simple things we can easily do to be active which does not cost money: walking, running, dancing, gardening, yoga — the list is endless and can all make a difference to how we feel!
Reflection: What exercise or activity will you do or have you done today to improve your wellbeing?
Learning New Things
Learning or experiencing new things can help build a sense of purpose, fulfilment, happiness and creativity whatever our age. “We are never too old to learn.”
- Learning is not just for school but for life — it does not only mean formal learning, it also includes informal learning of topics or skills we are curious or passionate about. Reading is a good way to learn — and joining a library gives free access to books/audio-books and films too.
- If you have suffered from mental illness, we can support you to access a range of free courses at the recovery college. Some colleges and the university also offer free courses for anyone to attend. You can also access free courses online, such as learning a new language, instrument, cooking courses, dressmaking, knitting and many more.
Reflection: What is the one new thing that you have tried or learnt recently? What else can you try and learn this week?
Giving
When we help others or show kindness, it does not only make people happy, but it can also help us feel happier in ourselves.
- It can boost our mood and create a sense of self-worth.
- It helps us feel connected to others and helps us contribute to building a stronger community and a happier society for all.
Reflection: What act of kindness can you do or have you done today or this week?
Taking Notice
Live a life of mindfulness — paying attention to the present moment, can help us relax and enjoy the world around us.
- Many of us live busy lives – finding ourselves multi-tasking or living life on autopilot with our minds going over the past instead of focusing on the present (what we are doing and experiencing, who we are with or what is around us).
- There’s more to life when we stop and notice. For example, noticing the leaves dancing on a tree, a bird singing, the smell of new blossom, the colour of the sky or the flicker of a smile as someone passes by.
- Take a few minutes a day to be grateful for the little things, meditate and reflect on your achievements.
Reflection: How many times a day do you do this?
Resources
Five to Thrive suggestions (Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest)
More information
Five to Thrive activities (Hackney Circle)
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Workout classes to boost your mood and meet some friends
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Ten top tips for leading a happier life
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Clubs and projects for young people
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Places to volunteer
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Adult education courses
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