Counselling

Five ways to winter well-being

By L. Hollywood

Published 10th December 2014

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: