Wellbeing

What is wellbeing?

When we talk about improving our wellbeing we mean we want to improve both our physical and mental health.

Often when we think about wellbeing we think about being happy and confident but that is just a part of what it is to be healthy. Our sense of wellbeing also comes from how we look after ourselves and the relationships we have with others.

This section of the website looks at what we can do to take care of ourselves mentally and physically to achieve a greater sense of wellbeing. You will also find information about different conditions and medication.

Five steps to well being

Most of us have heard about the five fruit and vegetables we should eat every day but did you know that there are also five things you can do to look after your mental health too?

Give these a try you may be surprised by the results.

1. Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.

2. Be active – you don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find the activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.

3. Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for a course and learn how to cook even better, or to play a musical instrument, or even  how to fix your bike?

4. Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

5. Take notice – be more aware of the present moment, including your feelings and thoughts, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness", and it can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

You can read more about these five steps on the NHS choices website