The Five Ways to Wellbeing The Five Ways to Wellbeing were first developed in 2008 by the New Economics Foundation. It was part of a project which aimed to draw on global, evidence-based research to create a set of actions people could use to improve their own wellbeing through life (131). The actions consist of: Connect: Connect with the people around you. You can do this with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours. Connect at home, work, school, or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day. Be active: Go for a walk or run, step outside, cycle, play a physical game, garden, or dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and one that suits your level of mobility and fitness. Take notice: Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful, remark on the unusual, and notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch, or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. Keep learning: Try something new. Rediscover an old interest, sign up for a course, fix a bike, learn to play an instrument, or look up how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun. Give: Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone, smile, volunteer your time to a good cause, or join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you (131).
Page 147
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker