Five ways to Wellbeing

The 5 ways to wellbeing have been developed based on evidence with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing of the population. A combination of each of the 5 ways will help to influence your health and wellbeing. The ways can be applied differently depending on what works for you. We have offered a couple of examples that might help you picture how you can achieve some of these in every day life.

Don't feel you need to immediately start doing all of these, but do have a think about what you could do now and what might work in future.

Connect

Forming strong relationships and developing your social network is key to your wellbeing. Feeling supported and valued by friends, families and colleagues goes a long way. You could make small steps to connect with others by

picking up the phone instead of sending an email or text
Getting away from your desk and sitting, or walking, with colleagues at lunch
Reduce screen time to chat or play games
Join an activity group to meet new people

Be Active

Physical activity is an essential part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Not only does this prevent many health-related issues, but it brings people together to enjoy shared activities and contributes significantly towards improving mental health. Explore our website for how to get moving more.

Keep learning

Continuing to learn throughout day to day life or through more formal opportunities can have a big effect on your self-esteem and curiosity. More formal learning opportunities, such as classes and workshops also offer the opportunity to connect with others. Some examples of how you could continue to learn could be;

Finding a new sport or activity
Sign up for a class
Read the news or a new book at a local library
Listen to a TedTalk
Take a look at our Daily Boost 'fun and creative resources' page

Give

Those who spend time supporting and giving to others are more likely to be happy and fulfilled.

Even the smallest act of giving or kindness counts, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts of giving or kindness include; volunteering at your local community centre or joining a community group. These can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

Visit our volunteering page to find out more about benefits and opportunities.

Take Notice

Paying more attention to the present, or being mindful, can help you enjoy life more and better understand yourself and your feelings. To be mindful you can take notice of your thoughts, feelings, physical tension and the world around you.

Mindfulness has a positive effect on mental wellbeing and can be applied to your daily life through different activities such as walking, eating, colouring or meditating, so there is likely to be something that works you..

Take some time out to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Mindfulness can be achieved through different activities such as walking, eating, colouring or meditating, so there is likely to be something that works you.

Find out more about Mindfulness with Mind.

Wellbeing FAQs

What is wellbeing?

"a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." – World Health Organisation

How can I improve my wellbeing?

A good place to start is to follow the 5 ways to wellbeing. Pick one you're not already doing that feels achievable and enjoyable and work on that first.

Where can I go for support?

We have both mental and physical wellbeing pages that provide a range of resources and services that may be able to support you depending on your needs.

You could also speak to friends and family about any worries you have, or contact your health professional such as a GP.

Getting the Right Support (PDF, 188 Kb)

Getting the right mental health support for you during COVID-19. If you have questions like the ones in this PDF, or you know someone who does, help is at hand.

Five Ways To Wellbeing (PDF, 204 Kb)

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a great place to start keeping mentally and physically well. The Five Ways are daily acts that can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.

Where to Find Support (PDF, 199 Kb)

If you are concerned for your mental or emotional health and wellbeing, or that of a loved one, here is a list of advice and support services available to those living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Maintaining healthy behaviours is very important during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Whether its looking after your mental well-being or healthy eating, to getting enough sleep or taking part in positive activities, there are lots of things you can do to help yourself. For wellbeing hints and tips please see below.

Join local sporting heroes and personalities for an evening of discussion about mental wellbeing and how men can become more confident with connecting with each other about the topic.

Men Can Say it's Okay to Not be Okay: Interview with Darien Nelson-Henry. Part of the Men Can Say it's Okay to Not be Okay evening discussion about mental wellbeing and how men can become more confident with connecting with each other about the topic.

Men Can Say it's Okay to Not be Okay: Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport & Sports Clubs - Interviews with Darien Nelson-Henry and Matt Hampson.

Please note: The Matt Hampson video contains some strong languag

Run Leader Dawn uses her passion for running to maintain her own mental wellbeing whilst helping others to do the same.

Tash, kick boxer and yoga instructor, helps empower women to face their personal barriers to create a more positive body and mind.

Reema a fitness instructor uses her love of Bhangra Fusion to inspire others to keep active physically and mentally.