Five Ways to Well-being The Five Ways to Well-being are suggested actions which people can take that you may find useful to promote your wellbeing. They are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. These activities are things you can do in your everyday lives. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we will be sharing ideas on one way to wellbeing each day, for more information visit and look for Five Ways to Well-being.

Day One: Connect Feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world. Social relationships can promote wellbeing. Five Ways to Well-being Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014 Share a journey to work or home with someone Make a connection with someone today Speak to someone new Talk to someone instead of sending an Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you

Five Ways to Well-being Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014 Day Two: Be Active In times when you are feeling a bit low or stressed, regular physical activity can help you to feel better and reduce your anxiety. It doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good. For information on what is available in your area go online at or telephone Take the stairs not the lift Get physical today to help you feel good. Here are a few ideas… Go for a walk and talk at lunchtime Visit your local leisure centre Do some ‘easy exercise’, like stretching, before you leave for work in the morning Have a kick-about in a local park or use one of the outdoor gyms in the city Get off the bus one stop earlier and walk the final part of your journey Walk into work or back home

Day Three: Take Notice Being aware of what is ‘taking place’ in the present can enhance your well-being, it also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations. Enjoy the moment and the environment around you Visit a new place for lunch Take a different route on your journey to or from work Take notice of how those you care about are feeling or acting Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day Get a plant for your workspace Find out what is going on in your neighbourhood Five Ways to Well-being Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014

Five Ways to Well-being Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014 Day 4: Keep Learning Continued learning through life can enhance your self-esteem and encourage social interaction and a more active life. Why not learn something new today? Find out something about your colleagues Read the news or a book Set up a book club Do a crossword or Sudoku Research something you’ve always wondered about Learn a new word Sign up for a class

Day Five: Give Offering an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period can increase your wellbeing. Here are some ideas… Talk to a neighbour who may be lonely Ask those you care about if you can help Help out at your local community centre Help someone who is ill by taking their dog for a walk Find out about volunteering opportunities Five Ways to Well-being Mental Health Awareness Week 6-10 October 2014