1. Connect with other people
Good relationships are important for mental wellbeing. They can:
- help the individual to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
- give the individual an opportunity to share positive experiences
- provide emotional support and allow the individual to support others
2. Be physically active
Being active is not only great for physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve mental wellbeing by:
- raising self-esteem
- helping the individual to set goals or challenges and achieve them
- causing chemical changes in the brain which can help to positively change mood
3. Learn new skills
Research shows that learning new skills can also improve mental wellbeing by:
- boosting self-confidence andĀ raising self-esteem
- helping to build a sense of purpose
- helping to connect with others
4. Give to others
Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:
- creating positive feelings and a sense of reward
- giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth
- helping you connect with other people
- Encouraging small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in the local community.
5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes thoughts and feelings, physical health and the natural world around us.
Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”. Promoting mindfulness and mindful activity can help the individual enjoy life more and understand themselves better. It can positively change the way they feel about life and how they approach challenges.