5 ways to Wellbeing

The impacts of coronavirus may affect our wider mental health. To help support your positive mental health during these challenging times the charity Mind have created some steps to help you look after your wellbeing.

These are the Five Ways to Wellbeing;

• Connect

• Be Active

• Take Notice

• Learn

• Give

Connect

There is strong evidence that indicates 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 may feel more difficult than ever to feel connected under current restrictions. Try to speak to others daily especially if you are living alone, through telephone, video call, write a letter or an e-mail, and connect through chat apps or social media. If you are able to get out for daily exercise, smile and say hello to those you pass (2m apart) in the street, have a chat with a neighbour – check they are ok whilst adhering to social distancing guidance.

Tell friends and family how you are feeling, it is important to talk. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, but need support or someone to talk to there are lots of support lines. See the help lines section below.

Be Active

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being.

If you are able, take advantage of the one outdoor exercise session that we are permitted each day – walking, running or cycling.

Try the following links for more ways to keep active including digital fitness classes.

North West Leicestershire District Council - Healthy at home

Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport - Active at home

Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport - Healthy at home

Take notice

Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.

Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities.

Take some time to enjoy the moment and environment around you:

• Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day
• Try to find a new walk, run or cycle route.
• Try something new – baking, crafts, yoga
• Take notice of how your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues are feeling or acting.

If you notice something about another person that gives you concern for their safety, you can find out more about safeguarding here.

Learn 

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the opportunity to engage in work or educational activities particularly helps to lift older people out of depression.

The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.

Why not learn something new today?

Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport have pulled together some great information about learning at home. There is some free content available from UK Coaching, the Institute of Swimming and more so definitely take a look at this. 

Here are a few more ideas:

• Read a book
• Set up a book club
• Do a crossword or Sudoku
• Research something you’ve always wondered about
• Learn a new word
• Try some brain training - The Guardian - five of the best brain-training apps

In response to the difficult times and the ongoing lockdown restrictions GoLearn, provided by Leicestershire County Council's Adult Learning Service, has created new online learning resources for adults across Leicestershire to access free of charge. Their page Life and Learning in Lockdown make available a wide range of learning materials from digital skills to languages, and wellbeing to family learning. There is also support available for any individuals facing an uncertain future with regard to work and employment. Visit their new page now to explore and learn, and if you would like more help or information contact their dedicated advice line on Freephone 0800 988 0303 or email adultlearning@leics.gov.uk

You can see their brochure of learning opportunities here - Go Learn Brochure (July 2020) (PDF Document, 2.4 Mb)

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.

Here are some ideas:

• Smile/say hello to a stranger
• Check on your neighbour
• Try some fundraising
• Volunteer
• Donate to charity
• Help out a friend or neighbour
• Keep in touch with your family and friends