Five ways to wellbeing

The five ways to wellbeing were developed by the New Economics Foundation (nef):

• Keep learning: Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
• Connect with others: Connect with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours at home, work, school or in your local community. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
• Give/volunteer: Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in.
• Take notice: Be curious. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling.
• Be active: Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Garden. Dance. Find a physical activity that you enjoy and one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

These simple actions are based on evidence gathered by more than 400 scientists worldwide and are designed to be incorporated into people’s everyday lives, making a positive difference to their physical and psychological health.

By including the five ways to wellbeing, the Workwell model stresses the need for employees to take responsibility for improving their own levels of health and wellbeing. But employers can also support individuals to make positive changes by:

• getting people moving
• nurturing sensitivity
• encouraging generosity
• fostering community, and
• promoting learning.