They raise awareness. They change behaviour. You feel better for it.
As part of Kent County Council’s Six Ways to Wellbeing Campaign I’ve spent the last year recording people’s wellbeing stories.
The Six Ways to Wellbeing are often fleeting things that we take for granted. Like saying hello to a colleague (‘connect’), opening the door for someone (‘give’) or noticing something unusual on the way to work (‘take notice’).
Yet a growing body of research shows that, over time, these little things make a big difference. They seem insignificant, but they help to improve our moods, strengthen relationships and make us more resilient in times of stress.
(If you like evidence, click on the links at the end of this post.)
That one sentence made me feel so much better about myself.
A number of stories have stayed with me over the year. Jemma’s is one of them.
Her ‘connect’ moment was a quick chat with someone she’d met at a Children’s Centre. A few words gave Jemma much needed reassurance when her son, Oakley, was five days old:
Ceri’s words also inspired Jemma to train as a volunteer Mother Supporter for the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. Now she can help other mums at the Deal Breastfeeding Support Group
Words are powerful things
A couple of sentences. Four ways to wellbeing – connect, keep learning, care and give. And a new qualification.
If you’re interested in how little things can help your long-term wellbeing visit www.sixwaystowellbeing.org.uk
The New Economics Foundation has co-ordinated research on ‘Ways to Wellbeing’. They’ve focussed on five ways.
If you want to raise awareness about a particular issue, stories like Jemma’s will help. If you’d like a sounding board, give me a call on 07456 416 475. Or drop me an email. I’d love to talk it through with you.
Leave a Reply