Five steps to mental wellbeing

Here are five things that, according to research, can really help to boost our mental wellbeing, in turn helping us to cope with stress and to reduce anxiety levels:

• Connect – make contact with the people around you. Take time each day to be with your family, pick up the phone and speak to a friend or start a conversation with someone new at work.
• Be active – exercise is one of the best stress-busters there is. Go for a walk, go cycling, try a new class at the Health Club, or learn a new sport. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life. Our Health Coaches are on hand to support you.
• Keep learning – acquiring new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or find out how to fix your bike?
• 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.
• Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.