AND ANOTHER KEY IS... RESPONSIBILITY!

I always think it's interesting that so many people think that well-being is first and foremost a health issue to be dealt with by health professionals! Having spent so much of my time lately in hospitals it is clear that we all need to take responsibility for our own well being. Reading the research it is clear that there are five things we can all do to enhance our own well-being... so take responsibility and connect with these five ways to improve your well-being.

The Five Ways to Well-being

1. Connect with people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich your life.

2. Be as active as you can. Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercise makes you feel good so find something you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

3. Take notice of your surroundings. Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends.

4. Keep learning for as long as you can. Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food.

5. Give or do something for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in.