We all know how important wellbeing is to our health and state of mind. The New Economics Foundation (https://neweconomics.org/2008/10/five-ways-to-wellbeing-the-evidence) say that there are 5 Ways to Wellbeing, which are:
Five Ways To Wellbeing
Connect
Develop relationship with the people around you, such as friends and family as well as neighbours and colleagues.
Be Active
Move your body. It doesn’t matter how you do it, you could go for a walk, a swim, go to the gym or do some gardening. The most important thing is to do something you enjoy and do it regularly
Be Mindful
Be aware of the present moment and how you are feeling. It’s so easy to get caught up in thinking about the future or to worry about what has happened in the past, but by being in the present moment it can positively change how you feel about life.
Keep Learning
Learning keeps the brain alive, helps grow your confidence and gives you a sense of achievement. There are always plenty of new skills you can learn, such as learning a language or how to play a particular sport and there are also plenty of courses available. My favourite place to find free courses is at www.futurelearn.com.
Give to Others
Random acts of kindness are great for this, as are small acts, such as saying thank you and paying someone a compliment. Volunteering is also great. It can improve your mental being and it also helps you to connect with others in your community
What can you do to improve your wellbeing
It’s important to try and connect to others. Volunteering is a good way to do this as not only do you meet other people and connect with them but you’re also giving to others. Joining groups and learning new skills is also very beneficial. I belong to a Nordic Walking group which ticks many of the boxes. It’s social, I’ve learnt a new skill and it can be very mindful. With busy lives it is easy to get stuck in a routine, so maybe try something new and see how you get on.
Wellbeing and Nature
Being in Nature is also very good for your wellbeing. It helps you to focus on the moment and appreciate the beauty around you. Please read my blog post on nature deficit disorder to see how important it is for us to spend time in nature https://craftybynature.biz/nature-deficit-disorder/
Last week, I volunteered to go on a school trip to a local organic farm and it was fantastic for my wellbeing. I felt like I was giving to others and I connected with the children and the teachers. I was also surprised at how much I learned about mini beasts and pond life! For me, being outside in nature is also amazing for my wellbeing and I came home buzzing.
Please comment below to let me know if you have any tips on improving wellbeing