5 WAYS TO WELLBEING

1. NOTICE

Noticing is being mindful. Mindfulness can seem challenging or confusing, in fact it can be pretty simple. It’s the practice of noticing what you are doing. This may seem odd, you may think, I know what I’m doing I’m doing it. Mindfulness is noticing what you are doing, noticing it on purpose.

Let me give you an example, when we eat something often, we might eat on the way to somewhere or eat in front of the TV, we’re tasting the food but maybe not really noticing the flavours and textures. When we take a walk, we might be thinking about work, assessments, any number of things. When you practice noticing, being mindful you make the conscious effort to notice the breeze against your skin, the sounds around you, the way your feet land on the ground as you walk. The conscious effort to be more mindful in anything you do can bring you out of busy thinking and slow everything down so in place of thinking about the future or the past, you become present in the moment. This is how you can practice mindfulness; it’s calming and can increase wellbeing.

2. GIVE

Generous behaviour has been shown in many studies to link to reduced physical illness and lower rates of depression. Doing something kind for another person can be as simple as letting someone go before you in the queue at the supermarket, leaving a kind, funny post-it note message for a loved one, a short call to check in on a friend or as committed as becoming a volunteer for a cause you believe in. The benefits to your wellbeing are countless and it provides you with the opportunity to CONNECT with others, our next way to wellbeing.

3. CONNECT

Connecting with others helps us to feel less isolated and more connected. Research even shows it may help you live longer. Connection doesn’t depend on how many friends you have but how connected you feel to people in general. You could volunteer as mentioned in the second way to wellbeing. You could join one of our societies or even start your own! It is important not to use social media alone to connect with others, instead try to find ways to connect with people in day to day situations. Invite a colleague to lunch, attend an event or workshop (even if this is online due to lockdown restrictions).  During this time, you could connect by calling a friend or family member. If this is not possible you could join a club and begin your connected journey there. Most importantly if you need help with something, reach out and ask for that help. Asking for help when you need it can really encourage your feelings of connectedness with others.

4. MOVE

Moving your body increases wellbeing. This can be anything from dedicated workout time to simply taking a walk around the block, to the shops or to work. A brisk walk for just 10 minutes per day can reduce risks of chronic disease, increase mood and give you some of that much needed ‘me time’. You could spend time noticing your surroundings, say a passing hello to fellow walkers. You could join a walking group and connect with others while being mindful and moving your body. Moving your body is a wonderful way to support positive wellbeing.

5. LEARN

As a student, you are already working hard in this area. Doing this has benefits beyond assessments and employment. While learning you increase your brain’s ability to learn faster, learning increases feelings of inner purpose and it makes people less likely to develop dementia later in life. Learning new skills also fuels creativity and builds a strong sense of confidence.

 

These 5 ways to wellbeing are the ingredients to a better sense of wellness.

 

Give them a try!

 

If you would like further support, you can grow your wellbeing with The Life Lounge at the University of Bolton.

 

The Life Lounge provides free access to:

• Mental Health Advisors
• CBT Clinic
• Counselling

If you would like to know more or access any of The Life lounge services, please visit: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/student-life/student-support/life-lounge/