We believe in the five ways to wellbeing.  It’s an idea that underpins our work. 

Evidence suggests there are five things you can do to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive about life. 

 Connect 

Social relationships are critical for our wellbeing. Feeling close to, and valued by, other people can help to make us feel better. Try to do something different today and make a connection; 

• Speak to someone new 
• Talk to someone instead of sending an email 
• Ask someone how they are and really listen to what they tell you 
• Arrange to catch up with an old friend you’ve not seen for ages. 

Give 

People who help others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. Research has shown that even small acts of kindness can make you feel better about yourself. Here are examples of the things you could try: 

• Offer to help a neighbour 
• Say thank you to someone for something they have done for you 
• Spend time with friends or relatives who need support or company 

• Volunteer in your community, such as helping at a school, care home or football club charity.  

Take notice 

Studies have shown that being aware of what is around you, and paying attention to the present (what some people call “mindfulness”) can help you to value life and improve your mood. Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Here are a few ideas: 

• Spend some time in your garden or local green space 
• Take notice of how your colleagues are feeling or acting 

• Take a different route on your journey to or from work 
• Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day 
• Visit a new place for lunch.  

Learn 

Life-long learning can increase your self-esteem and bring you into contact with new people, places and ideas. Learning things can help to give you purpose and goals to aim for. They don’t have to be formal education. Why not learn something new today? Here are some ideas: 

• Find out something about your colleagues 
• Read the news or a book 
• Learn a new word. 
• Research something you’ve always wondered about  
• Sign up for a class.  

Be active 

Being active can help to lower your anxiety and risk of depression. It can also help to slow age-related cognitive decline. Here are a few ideas to help you move more in your daily life; 

• Take the stairs not the lift 
• Go for a walk at lunchtime with a friend or colleague – so you can ‘connect’ as well 
• Get off the bus one stop earlier than usual 

• Have a kick-about in a local park 
• Use an app to help you to boost your fitness.