The Five Ways to Wellbeing

Introduced to Aotearoa in 2009 & is a set of 5 evidence based actions which can improve wellbeing. In recent years wellness and illness are considered to be more than just two ends of the continum, but separately opperating dimension. 

1. Give

More than sharing materials thing, but the spirit of generosity "promoting active participation in social and community life". Volunteering, community involvment, helping other, sharing skill and sharing resourses has been strongly linked to positive feelings and functioning and can promote a sense of purpose and self worth. 

2. Be Active

"Research shows a strong correlation between physical activity and increased wellbeing". Physical excersise can lead to lower rates of depression and anxiety as well as increase self belief, ability to cope with difficult situations, provide a sense of mastery and encourage social interactions. It doesn't have to be a lot of excersise to have an effect, moderate excersise 3-5 times a week can reduce signs of depression. 

3. Keep Learning 

Although learning is extremely benificial for all ages adult learning that includes elements of goal setting can be beneficial for wellbeing and help prevent depression. "This is particularly true when goals are self- generated, positively focused and align with personal values". Learning can be in any form that maintains curiosity and an enquiring mind. 

4. Take Notice

Developing skills that increase awareness of what is immediately happening – both physically and mentally, within and around
us – can improve wellbeing. Research suggests that mindfulness heightens self-knowledge and can help one behave in a way that is consistent with ones needs. Gratitude, forgiveness, reflection and the development of meaning inparticular can enhance wellbeing. 

5. Connect

 

Feeling close to other people and valued by them is a fundamental human need. Relationships and participation in a social life are critical for mental wellbeing and effective buffers against mental disorder. Strong social relationships are supportive, encouraging, and meaningful, and a wider social network is also important for feelings of connectedness and self- worth. Giving time and space to both strengthen and broaden social networks is important for wellbeing.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/assets/Five-Ways-downloads/mentalhealth-5waysBP-web-single-2015.pdf