Five ways to well-being

For many, the start of a New Year begins with the western tradition of a New Year’s resolution although fulfilling a goal often proves difficult due to various circumstances.

Many of us identify our resolutions grounded in things which bring about fear, shame, regret or guilt. For example, whether you’re determined to lose weight, quit smoking or start exercising more, research shows that motivation via negative emotion is usually the least effective for adopting new behaviours and habits.

A lot of people also blame their failure to fulfil resolutions on a lack of time, resources, or motivation, or a loss of zeal after starting.

Whether you are determined to continue good practices, change an undesired trait or behaviour or accomplish a personal goal, it’s important to remember the old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.

To bring a bit of perspective into your life, Liz Barton-Jones, Head of Sport and Wellbeing at the Foundation of Light, highlights five simple steps that can help you with your mental health and wellbeing. It is recommended that you try and do one of these steps each day.

Connect…

It’s important to connect with the people around you. Whether that connection is with family, friends, colleagues or neighbours or it takes places at home, work, school or in your local community, think of these as the foundations of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

Be active…

Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Embrace the outdoors and discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.  

Take notice…

It’s good to 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. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

Keep learning…

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.

Give…

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.

If you need inspiration, please visit foundationoflight.co.uk for programmes and activities that will help you achieve your five ways to wellness.