Using the 5 ways to wellbeing during the pandemic

Developed by the New Economics Foundation (NEF), the five ways to wellbeing are a series of steps devised to provide a way that people can improve their own mental health and wellbeing.

The Covid-19 crisis has had a detrimental impact on the mental health and wellbeing of many. Fear, worry and stress have, understandably, been felt more keenly since the advent of the pandemic, and national lockdowns combined with social distancing measures have left those who are vulnerable struggling with isolation and loneliness. The five ways to wellbeing can be adapted for the current global situation, in order to try and combat some of the negative emotions that are being felt by many.

In 2008, the Government’s Foresight project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing commissioned the NEF to develop guidance on action people could take to improve their personal wellbeing. This guidance was summarised as the ‘five ways to wellbeing’:

1. Connect – Good relationships are important to wellbeing, so keeping connected with friends and family is key. Connections with others can help build a sense of belonging, self-worth and provide emotional support.
2. Keep learning – Learning new skills can boost confidence, build a sense of purpose and help build connections with others.
3. Be active – Physical activity is important for mental health, as well as physical health. It can raise self-esteem, help to set and achieve goals, and positively change your mood.
4. Take notice – Paying attention to the present moment (also known a mindfulness) can help you to enjoy life more and understand yourself better.
5. Give – Acts of giving and kindness can improve personal wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward, giving you a sense of purpose and helping to form connections with others.

Evidence has shown that these 5 steps can improve mental health and wellbeing, helping people to feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has made taking these steps much more difficult. Social distancing measures have made it harder for people to connect to the outside world and their loved ones, and many are suffering from feeling demotivated and dejected, making it much more difficult to stay active or muster up the enthusiasm to try something new. Despite this, the five steps to wellbeing can be adapted to be used during the pandemic.

Connect

Thanks to modern technology, there are now more ways of keeping in touch with people than ever before. Try connecting with family and friends over the phone, over video calls or via letters. There are other things you can connect with too, such as your faith, or your pet, if you have either. Or try listening to music you enjoy, and connect with the way it makes you feel.

Keep Learning

There’s a variety of online courses that you can try for free, that can help to build a sense of purpose and bring something new and exciting into your life. You could also learn to cook a new recipe, or to bake, or you could try learning a new language or craft. There are plenty of books and other resources out there that are dedicated to helping you learn a new skill.

Be Active

If you’re able to go outside for daily exercise, try to make the most of it. You could go for a walk, cycle or run. You could also try online workout videos or classes, such as those hosted by The Body Coach, or even just dance around the house to really get those endorphins flowing!

Take Notice

Social distancing and self-isolation can actually provide a great opportunity to take more notice of what is around you. When you’re able to go outside, perhaps during your exercise, pay attention to what you can see, hear and smell. In your home, there are also plenty of things you can take notice of, such as any plants you may have.

Give

Despite the restrictions placed on spending time with others, there are still ways you can exercise acts of giving and kindness. As long as you are abiding by social distancing, you can smile and say hello to passers-by to share some joy. You could also keep a gratitude diary to give thanks for what you have.

Wellbeing is one of the most important aspects of our lives, as individuals and as societies. The concept of wellbeing is more complex than being ‘well off’ or ‘happy’, and is generally understood to include two main elements: feeling good and functioning well.

Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of wellbeing. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 crisis has had a damaging impact on the personal wellbeing of many, especially for those with pre-existing mental health conditions. When adapted to the current climate, the five ways to wellbeing can provide individuals with a strategy to improve their mental health, and combat the negative impacts the pandemic may have had on their personal wellbeing.