Five ways to wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are five easy steps you can take to help improve your mental health and wellbeing. These are to connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and to give.

1: Connect

It is important to keep connected with your loved ones whilst social distancing and self-isolating. Below are some tips on how to do this virtually:

• Use video calling to chat to friends and family who you would usually see
• Organise to watch the same TV show or to read the same book as someone else and discuss this over the phone or video call
• If you have Netflix, join a virtual Netflix Party and chat to your friends whilst watching a movie or show together

2: Be active

Physical activity can make you feel good mentally and physically. You can exercise at home no matter what your level of mobility and fitness is. Below are some examples and helpful links for all ages:

Older people

The NHS website has chair based exercise videos, flexibility exercise videos and balance exercise videos.

Visit Age UK Richmond’s YouTube channel for Zumba, Walking Football and Fit for Men workout videos

Visit the Silverfit at Home YouTube channel to access various online workout videos that you can follow from home.

For those with additional needs

MENCAP Richmond has an easy-to-read guide on keeping active

The children’s charity Skylarks has a range of online activities including karate for children and yoga for adults.

The theatre company Dramatize in Richmond works with adults with learning disabilities and is offering online workshops and activities via Zoom.

The Special Olympics website recommends exercise activities and fitness videos for adults and children with learning disabilities

We are Undefeatable has a YouTube channel that provides a range of home exercise videos and guides on ways to get moving whilst at home

For young people

Joe Wicks (The Body Coach) is bringing back PE with Joe for kids not at school during the third national lockdown. The classes will take place at 9am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays live on his YouTube channel.

General

For those who are missing exercising at our sports centres, you can find regular home workout videos from trainers in the borough on the Feel Good Fitness LBRUT Facebook Page.

Other ways of incorporating physical activity in your daily routine might include sitting less, walking, cleaning your house, gardening and dancing to music.

3: Keep learning

Research shows that learning new skills can help improve your mental wellbeing by raising self-esteem, helping to build a sense of purpose and helping you to connect with others. You might like to:

• Try cooking a new healthy recipe
• Work on a DIY project
• Absorb new material by reading books, magazines and articles. You can also listen to podcasts, watch new films and television programmes. All Richmond Libraries customers can access e-books, audiobooks and e-magazines for free using their library card number and pin. Contact elibrary@richmond.gov.uk for any issues/queries
• Enrol in a free online course on OpenLearn
• Download an app such as Duolingo and try learning a new language

4: Take notice

Pay attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you.

• If you are working from home, take notice of how your colleagues are feeling when speaking to them on the phone
• Open a window to let fresh air circulate in your home
• Write down your thoughts and feelings
• Create a plan for how you could reduce your carbon footprint
• For general tips and more information on how to be mindful, visit the NHS website

5: Give 

Acts of giving and kindness can be incredibly rewarding. You may wish to:

• Ask your friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listen to their answer
• Donate to a charity, for example by volunteering or making a financial contribution
• Help local efforts to support others. 

See more information on the Five ways to wellbeing.