5 ways to wellbeing

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.

Connect

There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

Be active

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting wellbeing.

But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good – slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well as providing some level of exercise.

Take notice

Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.

Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities.

Learn

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and more active life.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the opportunity to engage in work or educational activities particularly helps to lift older people out of depression

Give

Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of well-being research.

Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.

Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.

Meet the tutor

Ian Hassell

Ian Hassell joins us this year and we have some exciting outdoor courses in the summer programme that utilise Ian’s passion and expertise.  For the first time at the Eco Centre, we are offering two weekend courses in Woodland Shelter Building.  These courses not only link with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing theme but will also help to transform the landscape of the Eco Centre’s site and woodland area, that can be enjoyed by others for years to come.

Ian is enthusiastic about teaching his learners the skills to use nature’s resources to provide and be able to survive. These courses are for people interested in being able to wild camp, who have never done it before and would like to take up the challenge and embark on new ventures.  They may also attract those that want to recreate something in their own gardens for their children or groups of friends that want to do something a bit different and want to connect with nature.

The course will be a unique and unforgettable experience.  As an accompaniment to Shelter Building, Ian is also running two one-day Bushcraft Survival courses which will offer more detailed instruction about gathering natural resources, campfire-building, and self-protection.

May courses at Derbyshire Eco Centre