5 ways to good wellbeing

Maintaining good mental health can be tricky and many things can impact how we feel. However, studies have shown there are 5 ways to good wellbeing we can all do which keeps our minds well. 

Photo by bhai rankar on Unsplash

1. Connect

Social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages. This can include speaking with friends, family, work colleagues. It can be as simple as taking 5 mins out of your day to ask someone how they are?

2. Be active

Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being. However, if going to the gym isn’t for you, there are many other ways of being active, this could be taking the stairs instead of the lift or going for a walk at lunchtime. 

3. Take notice

This can be done in many ways. It could be taking notice of how someone in your family is feeling or when out for a walk paying more attention to nature and your surroundings. Focusing on something helps you think of what is important right now can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. When I was being trained as a Mental Health First Aider, our course leader recommended when washing your hands to take notice of how the water feels on your skin - sounds so simple, but I have tried this and it has worked for me, especially before a presentation which has led me to feel a bit anxious about!  

4. Keep learning 

Learning is proven to enhance self esteem and can encourage social interaction. There’s so much to learn out there, you can start with anything. Maybe sign up for a class, read the news or a book, find out more about your colleagues. All will keep your mind focused and reduce your mind from drifting into negative thoughts.

5. Give

Studies have shown individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. If you can, see how you can help with local charities or initiatives. Take any opportunities at your place of work to volunteer. Or you could even simply help someone out with a task.

Takeaway

Hope these are useful nuggets to keep in mind if you are thinking of ways to keep your mind healthy. Maybe write them down on your phone to refer back to or on a post it note to pop on the fridge. Also do pass the 5 ways onto others, as we can all help each other look after our mental health.