We all want to feel good – about ourselves and the world around us – and to be able to get the most from our lives. However, there’s also evidence that a healthy mental wellbeing also aids in your physical health and can help you achieve your goals, be they in your work, relationships or personal life.
According to wellness expert Sarah Stewart-Brown, professor of public health at the University of Warwick, when we talk about wellbeing, we mean more than just happiness or mental health. ‘It’s useful to start with the idea that overall wellbeing involves both the mind and the body,’ she says. ‘And we know that physical and mental wellbeing are closely related. Of course, feeling happy is a part of mental wellbeing. But it is far from the whole. There is a deeper kind of wellbeing, which is about living in a way that is good for you and good for others around you.’
She explains, ‘Feelings of contentment, enjoyment, confidence and engagement with the world are all a part of mental wellbeing. Self-esteem and self-confidence are, too. So is a feeling that you can do the things you want to do. And so are good relationships, which bring joy to you and those around you. Of course, good mental wellbeing does not mean that you never experience feelings or situations that you find difficult. But it does mean that you feel you have the resilience to cope when times are tougher than usual.’
Over the last 20 years, new evidence has emerged about what really causes lasting improvements to your mental wellbeing. Professor Stewart-Brown notes, ‘Some of this evidence comes from observational studies, in which scientists look at the behaviour and wellbeing of certain sections of the population. Other evidence comes from trials in which scientists take a group of people and ask them to change their behaviour or participate in a treatment or other intervention – such as an exercise programme – and then watch what happens to their wellbeing.’ However, they came to discover the secrets, let’s take a look at the proven ways to improve your wellbeing:
1. Look at your past: ‘The first thing you can do for your own wellbeing is become curious about it,’ advises Professor Stewart-Brown. ‘Start to think about what you’ve done in the past to promote mental wellbeing, and whether it worked. Then think about new things that you can try. Remember, no one can give wellbeing to you. It’s you who has to take action.’
2. Connect with others: To paraphrase John Donne, ‘No person is an island,’ so make time to connect to the people in your life. Spend time developing relationships with your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, and go out and start new friendships too.
3. Exercise: You don’t have to become a fitness freak, but movement is paramount to living a stress-reduced, happier life. Try walking or a sport that gets you involved with new people – the key is to make it an enjoyable part of your life.
4. Learn: Much in the same way that children shine when they learn new things and get praise for it, learning new skills can build your confidence and give you a real sense of achievement and purpose in your personal life. Whether you want to become a DIY expert, music maestro or culinary sensation, find a hobby you’ve always wanted to try and give it a go.
5. Give: In the words of Mark Twain, ‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up’, and even the smallest act can do it. Whether you offer a smile, a thank you or a kind word, or you go big with larger acts like volunteering, giving to others can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.
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