My “Take the Steps” courses in Mindfulness and Wellbeing are so named to draw attention to the fact that in order to increase wellbeing, happiness, flourishing, we actually have to take steps to BE and DO things differently. Its not enough to read ABOUT. This is why,although I do workshops for those at a distance or on shift work, and in corporate environments, I strongly recommend, where possible that you take the course over a number of weeks, as this allows the new way of “taking notice, the “happiness habits”, and the new ways of thinking, to become part of your lifestyle and who you are. The latest neuro-psychological research has made us aware how plastic the brain is, how much we can change, but it is well to remember that building a new neural pathway is essentially a matter of repeatedlydoing something differently. The bonus is, that learning new skills turns out to be good for well being anyhow!
This action-oriented outlook is highlighted in the WOW -FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING *guidelines, which was published after intensive study of the research evidence in what actually. The guidelines are easy to incorporate into your life, so why not get started?
CONNECT
With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
BE ACTIVE
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
TAKE NOTICE
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
KEEP LEARNING
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
GIVE
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time.Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
*New Economic Foundation (U.K.) 2008