Wheel of Wellbeing

Six steps you can build into your day to improve your mental well-being

Winter can be a hard time for a lot of people, financial worries in the lead up to and after Christmas, extra financial worries due to the cost of living crisis and just generally feeling down in the darker and colder weather.

We want to introduce you to the Wheel of Well-being, which includes a choice of six steps you can fit into your day to improve your mental wellbeing.

Start small, try one or two today and see the difference it can make.

  1. Give: being happy means you're more likely to give to others, so it's a great way to begin a cycle of generosity and happiness. You can start with any small act of kindness, giving a smile or a compliment can improve someone's wellbeing, as well as your own. Have you considered volunteering? Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Surrey on the volunteering web page.
  2. Connect: being around other people can help boost our mood and help us feel connected to the wider world. Spending time with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues can support your wellbeing, help you feel connected and reduce the chances of feeling lonely, low or depressed.
  3. Be active: even small amounts of exercise can boost your mental alertness, give you more energy and put you in a good mood. It can also reduce stress and anxiety as well as increase your self-esteem. Get some tips on easy ways to be more active at Health Surrey Connect web page.
  4. Care: looking after the planet is good for mental wellbeing and life satisfaction, so remember that bag for life each time you shop and to take your reusable cup and water bottle when you are out of the house. Find out more about caring for the planet on the Healthy Surrey Care web page.
  5. Keep learning: learning new things are good for your wellbeing as they can exercise your brain, boost your confidence and give you a sense of achievement. Find out about or research something that you are interested in online or in your local library.
  6. Take notice: of what is around you when you walk to work, school or to the shops, the sky, birds, flowers, trees and the changing seasons. If using public transport, look out of the window and take notice of the scenery. Take in some nature through some of Surrey's spectacular countryside (on a walk or cycle ride) visit the Surrey Countryside web page for some places to visit.

In Surrey, one fifth of adults suffer from at least one mental health condition but having open conversations can help people feel more comfortable to seek help.

If you or someone you know might benefit from local support for mental health, visit the Healthy Surrey first steps web page.

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