5 ways to wellbeing
We’re encouraged to eat at least five fruit and vegetables a day to take care of our physical health, but what about our mental health?
Research carried out by the New Economics Foundation found that there are five ways to wellbeing:
- Connect
- Be active
- Take notice
- Keep learning
- Give
Connect
Social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.
Try this…
- Plan a walk with a friend at Westonbirt to re-connect with them. Take the time to ask some questions that you’ve never asked them before, and share your answers with them – understanding each other on a deeper level helps us feel a greater sense of closeness and a sense of being valued.
Be active
By regularly engaging in some form of exercise we can look after our mental and physical health at the same time.
Try this…
- Take an unplanned detour on your next visit to Westonbirt; increase your time amongst the trees, and move in a way that is right for you to be your active self. Often moving more makes you breathe more deeply, which in the forest has extra benefits!
Take Notice
Spending time amongst trees, and really noticing nature, is proven to help us to relax and rejuvenate.
Taking notice of things we’re grateful for, big or small, is a great way to boost our mood and appreciate our surroundings.
Try this…
- Take a mindful photography walk. It’s surprising how easy it is to take a walk in nature, and not really notice nature. If you look closely, you’ll find every colour of the rainbow. Take photos to capture your colour exploration.
Keep learning
Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.
Try this…
- Learn how to ID a tree. Many think a tree is a tree! But each tree species is unique, and has a place in our delicate eco-system. Look closely at the leaves, bark, flowers or fruits of the trees. Learning how to ID trees not only keeps our brains active but it is vital to be able to tell trees apart to support their conservation.
Give
Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.
Try this:
- Become a friend. Visiting Westonbirt Arboretum can greatly enhance your wellbeing. By becoming a Friend of Westonbirt Arboretum not only can you enjoy visiting more often but your donation goes directly towards protecting and caring for one of the world's most extraordinary arboreta. The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum is vital in our work to connect people to trees through conservation, education and participation.
On your next visit we invite you to enjoy some time re-connecting to nature, re-connecting to others and re-connecting to yourself through the five ways to wellbeing.
