Aitken College Newsletter

Be Well and Prosper

5 ways to wellbeing

Research from around the world shows you can improve your wellbeing and happiness by doing five simple things as part of your day: connect, be active, keep learning, be aware and help others. Doing these five actions can help you cope better with stress and to live longer, happier and healthier, in ways that are good for you and others! So regardless of how well, young or old you are, everyone can benefit from giving the 5 Ways to Wellbeing a try. Do them at work, home or school. It costs nothing and is easier than you think! Here are some ideas to get started:

Connect 

Connect with people around you; with family, friends, neighbours or people you meet, at work, school or at the shops. Think of these social connections as important in your life and spend time developing them. Building these relationships will support and strengthen you every day

  • Organise regular catch-ups with a friend.
  • Have dinner with your family.
  • Phone or email a friend who you don’t see often.
  • Walk in nature.
  • Spend time with pets and animals.
  • Introduce the 5 Ways To Wellbeing to others in your family, social groups, workplace, school or university, as a way to connect in a more meaningful way!

Be Active

Keep your mind and body active. Step outside your house or go for a walk or run. Play a sport, dance, ride a bike or do some gardening. Find something you enjoy and do it regularly. Exercising makes you feel good and helps to clear your mind.

  • Go for a walk or run.
  • Ride a bike.
  • Dance.
  • Play a game.
  • Try gardening.
  • Get off the tram a couple of stops early.
  • Take the stairs instead of the lift.
  • Move around the office every hour – try talking to a colleague at their desk rather than emailing or phoning.
  • Yard work: mowing the lawn, raking leaves, or just picking up the twigs that have fallen in the yard.
  • Walk the dog! Taking Fido for a walk is beneficial not just for you, but for your pet too!
  • Swim: visit your local public swimming pool or Council Leisure Centre.
  • Sign up for a yoga class at the local gym, find one in the newspaper or Neighbourhood House.
  • Tai chi. An ancient form of graceful gentle movement and stretching.

Keep Learning

Try something new or rediscover a past interest. Learn to sew, read a new book, listen to a radio program or take on a new role at work. Learn to play a musical instrument or do a computer course. Learning can be fun. It can give you a sense of achievement and build your confidence.

  • Try a new recipe or hobby.
  • Explore “How To” videos on youtube or google.
  • Help the children with their homework and learn something new from them.
  • Visit the local library.
  • Try new things.
  • Visit a museum or art gallery.
  • Remember one positive thing a day.
  • Try a new sport or exercise class.
  • Listen to talkback radio programs.
  • Join a social group or interest group.

Be Aware

Be aware of the world around you; notice the changing seasons and the beautiful sights, smells and sounds as you do your daily activities. Notice how you feel. Try this as you walk, eat lunch or wait for a train. Being aware of the ‘here and now’ can help you feel calm and reduce stress.

  • Do a short course in mindfulness, Yoga, Tai-chi, or listen to a guided lesson online
  • Download a mindfulness app.
  • Join a group or do a course through a Community Neighbourhood House -see links below.
  • Find a group through the local newspaper.
  • Take advantage of your local public parks to practice being aware.
  • Before going to bed, think of two new things you are genuinely appreciative for, such as the fresh rain, flowers in the garden, nice park you can walk to, good friends, etc.

Help Others

Do something kind for a friend or stranger. Thank someone, smile or say hello. Give your time to a community group or help a neighbour. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and belonging, build friendships and make your community a better place.

  • Say “thank you” to someone for something they’ve done for you.
  • Phone a relative or friend who needs support or company.
  • Ask a colleague how they are and really listen to the answer.
  • Offer to lend a hand if you see a stranger struggling with bags or a pushchair.
  • Arrange a day out for you and a friend or relative.
  • Offer to help a relative with DIY or a colleague with a work project.
  • Sign up to a mentoring project, in which you give time and support to someone who will benefit from it.
  • Donate something you don’t use.
  • Volunteer in your local community. That might mean helping out at a local school, hospital or care home.

From: https://www.5waystowellbeing.org.au/

 

Don't forget your free ticket to the "Principal's Lectures". 7 March @ 6pm. www.trybooking.com/CFRBT

Refreshments and talks on: Internal Family Systems, Neurobiology, Finance Advice, Breathing Tips, Charity in Philosophy & Communication Skills.

Mr Ben Lawless

Researcher