Five Ways to Wellbeing
Research shows there are five simple areas of behaviour that you can include in your daily life – for work, life, and play – to build resilience, boost your wellbeing and lower your risk of developing mental health problems.[1]
These simple actions are known internationally as the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Be Active.
Regularly engaging in behaviours that are part of the Five Ways is beneficial for everyone to enhance our wellbeing when life is going well, and to support us when faced with stress.
Connect: Talk and listen, be there, feel connected.
- Strengthen relationships by sharing stories and encouraging each other
- Join a staff network, club, or union
- Connect spiritually through *add link to Learning Institute chaplaincy service* with others
- Reach out for extra support early. Call the *Learning Institute EAP* to check in about your mental health
Give: Do something nice for someone, show your appreciation, do something nourishing for yourself.
- Become a mentor *insert link to student mentoring program*
- Volunteer through *Learning Institute* or in the community *insert link to volunteering resources on institution website*
- Create a small gift for a friend or neighbour
Take Notice: Pay attention to the present moment and remember the simple things that give you joy.
- Notice when you have reached your limits and prioritise what you need
- Notice the small achievements, not just the big ones
- Develop your skills in mindfulness *insert link to mindfulness resource*
Keep Learning: Be curious, understand different perspectives and grow through challenges.
- Learn something new or rediscover an old interest
- Embrace new experiences, see opportunities – try to surprise yourself
- Sign up for an *Learning Institute training/CPD resource – insert link*
- Learn how to support your wellbeing *insert link to mental wellbeing self-help resources*
Be Active: Moving our bodies supports our emotional and mental wellbeing.
- Step into nature and go for a walk
- Play a game
- Join a fitness class or social sport
- Learn how to dance *insert link*
If you’d like to learn more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing, check out more resources from the Mental Health Foundation (NZ) and Wellbeing SA.
- Aked, J., Marks, N., Cordon, C. & Thompson, S. (2011). Five ways to wellbeing: New applications, new ways of thinking. New Economics Foundation. https://neweconomics.org/uploads/files/d80eba95560c09605d_uzm6b1n6a.pdf ↵
