The 5 Ways to Wellbeing
We’re all encouraged to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day and to take care of our physical health, but what about our mental health?
Although everyone is unique, and we all have things that we know make us feel good, researchers have found there are 5 ways to wellbeing that are universal.
These are five simple things that you can do to look after your mental health:
Take notice
Connect
Be active
Keep learning
Give
Take notice
Taking notice of our thoughts, how we’re feeling, and what’s around us is a great way to stay present and pay attention to our needs. Taking notice of things we’re grateful for, no matter how big or small, is a great way to improve our mood.
Here’s some suggestions around taking notice:
Try a mindful hobby like journaling
Write down three things in your life that you feel grateful for
Spend some time in the evenings thinking about what went well in your day
Connect
Connecting with the people around us is a great way to remind ourselves that we’re important and valued by others. Particularly during times like COVID-19, the connections that we have with others can play a huge role in looking after our mental health and wellbeing.
Here’s some suggestions for staying connected:
Arrange a coffee with a colleague to chat about things other than work; this can be virtual if you’re working from home right now
Go on a socially distanced walk with a loved one, making sure you keep at a safe distance from those around you
Send one of Health in Mind’s #WritingToSayHello postcards to someone that’s important to you. You can download one here.
Be active
Staying active is not only good for our physical health, but it’s great for our mental health too! By doing regular exercise, we can look after both our mental and physical health at the same time. Try to find a physical activity that you enjoy and you can have fun with.
Here’s some ways to be more active:
Go for a walk during your lunch break
Follow some online exercise videos; you can join online exercise classes so that you feel a part of something and can work out alongside other people
Keep learning
Keeping mentally active and trying something new can help improve your mental health and wellbeing and make you feel more confident.
Have you thought about:
Listening to podcasts
Learning a new language or musical instrument
Downloading apps where you can learn new things or complete puzzles and games
Give
Doing something nice for someone else can boost your own mood. Helping someone who needs it can make you feel like you’re part of something bigger.
Here’s a few ways you could give to your community:
Support local businesses
Donate to local foodbanks
Check in on your neighbours and those living alone
Volunteer for a cause that you care about
About Health in Mind
Health in Mind is a Scottish charity with your mental health at heart. We’ve been promoting positive mental health and wellbeing since 1982.