Five Ways to Wellbeing - Number 1.

I just read a really interesting piece of research from 2008, when the UK government commissioned a project called the “Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing.” The Project, published in 2008, drew on state-of-the-art research about mental capital and mental wellbeing through life. It identified five ways to optimal health and wellbeing.

Here they are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. These activities are simple things individuals can do in their everyday lives and I’m going to put a spin on them Fit Girl Factory style!!

Number 1 is Connect! The project suggested 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’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.

With this in mind, try to do something different today and make a connection.

Speak to someone new or smile at someone as you pass them in the street - let’s bring back saying good morning to each other!!

Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you - ask questions!

Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is, particularly if you know they are having a hard time.

Give a colleague a lift home. Get all the work talk out of the way, solve problems and have a good moan. Then both of you will be fresh and ready to have some family time - stress free!

Nowadays, social relationships are even easier as we can all connect through Facebook, Instagram, text or email!

Just taking a few seconds out of your day to connect with someone can mean the world to them and their response may mean the world to you.