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.
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Ask someone how they are and concentrate on their response.
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Try phoning someone instead of texting.
2) Be active
Regular exercise has been shown to alleviate anxiety and depression.
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If you’re able to go outside, go for a walk, or if working go for a walk at lunchtime.
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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!
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Walk another route home or on the other side of the street.
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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:
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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!
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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:
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Compliment the cashier in the supermarket.
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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.