Five ways to winter well-being

Here are the easiest ways to keep yourself feeling well at this time of year.

These five ways to well-being were developed by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) and are a set of evidence-based actions to promote well-being. 

By simplifying them I have made them easier for you to incorporate into your life.

 1) Connect

 We are social animals, hardwired for connection. Try to make a connection today with someone, as even a five minute chat can really help to lift your spirits. 

• Ask someone how they are and concentrate on their response.

• Try phoning someone instead of texting.

 2) Be active

 Regular exercise has been shown to alleviate anxiety and depression. 

• If you’re able to go outside, go for a walk, or if working go for a walk at lunchtime.

• Put some music on and have a dance, do some gardening or even have a good clean up around the house. 

Find something for you love, a friend of mine has a trampoline that she loves bouncing on each morning!

 3) Take Notice

 In London there are so many amazing things to see - remember to look up!

• Walk another route home or on the other side of the street.

• Sit on a different side of the bus from usual.

Paying attention to yourself and your surroundings and being mindful increases your self-awareness and has many health benefits. More on mindfulness in an upcoming post…

 4) Learn

 Learning increases self-esteem. It doesn’t have to be formal education try these ideas instead: 

• Those questions that pop up in your head every now and again – jot them down and head to your nearest library to look them up or cheat and use Google!

• Do a crossword, Sudoku or test your knowledge from a quiz show.

 5) Give

Research shows your well-being increases from doing something kind for someone else once a week over a six-week period. This doesn’t have to be formal volunteering, try these instead: 

• Compliment the cashier in the supermarket.

• Let someone else go in front of you on the bus and say thank you to the driver.

What are your tips to well-being? I’d love to hear if these have helped you. Please share and comment below.