Mental Health

Five Ways to Wellbeing

1 Connect

Evidence shows that feeling close to and valued by other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world. It's clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.

With this in mind why not do something different today and make a connection.

• Talk to someone instead of sending an email
• Speak to someone new
• Ask how someone's weekend was and really listen when they tell you
• Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is

2 Be Active

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. It's an essential part of slowing age-related cognitive decline and helps promote good well-being.

It doesn't need to be particularly intense to make you feel good. Slower paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well as providing some level of exercise.

Start today by:

• Taking the stairs rather than the lift
• Walk to wok (perhaps with a colleague) or go a walk at lunchtime
• Get off the stop one stop earlier and walk the final part of your journey
• Organise a sporting activity - have a kick-about in a local park
• Do some 'easy exercise' like stretching to start your day

3 Give

Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research. Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.

4 Take Notice

Being aware of your surroundings enhances your wellbeing and savoring 'the moment' can help reaffirm your life priorities.

It can enhance your self understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.

Here are some ideas on how to enjoy the moment and environment around you:

• Get some plants for your room
• Have a 'clear the clutter' day
• Notice how people around you are feeling or acting
• Take a different route for your daily walk
• Visit a new place for lunch or coffee

5 Learn

You're never too old to learn something new. This will boost your self esteem, encourage social interaction and help you live a more active life.

Set yourself goals and take opportunities to engage in work or educational activities. This will help boost wellbeing and help with depression.

Set yourself some goals and try something new.

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

Mental Health Workshop 

Join David Beedie, Community Peer Facilitator with My Life Dynamic, for this workshop on Mental Health. 

Additional Resources

• Mind yer mind: Mind Yer mind
• 5 Ways Leaflet: SAMH 5 Ways
• The Little Book of Brighter Days: Breathing space
• Information Service: SAMH Help
• Online Life Skills: Living Life to the Full 
• 5 steps to mental wellbeing: NHS Inform

Mindfulness Sessions  

Sarah Gear from Mindful Stonehaven, leads us through two mindfulness practices to support wellbeing. 

1. Power of Pause
2. Sounds and Thoughts

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