In 2008, the UK government’s Foresight Project did some research about wellbeing. They wanted to find out how everybody can improve their wellbeing, based on scientific evidence.
The New Economics Foundation found a way to explain the results of the research. They produced a set of five simple actions which can improve well-being for anyone.
With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of .these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling.
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
Find out more at the New Economics Foundation website.
Each of the five steps involves actively thinking about how you use your time, and carrying out activities that have a purpose. The aim is to keep your body and brain as active as possible.
There is plenty of research that shows that doing purposeful activities will support your wellbeing far more than sitting around doing nothing.