In the New Year, there are some things you should cut back on to be healthier, but also so many things you should add in. The best part? They’re so simple and cost absolutely nothing. The County Durham Wellbeing for Life service is free and aims to help people to live well and maintain good health for themselves and those around them. Wellbeing for Life staff work with individuals on a 1-1 basis and in groups to recognise the issues that are affecting their wellbeing and help them make positive changes. They recommend trying the Five Ways to Wellbeing to make this year better than the last. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple actions we can do in our everyday lives to help us feel good and function well. The five ways are: Connect – with the people around you; your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.
Wellbeing for Life health trainers can help you find a social activity to help make new friendships. Building connections will support and enrich your everyday. Get active – Physical activity makes us feel good. Step outside, being in green open spaces increases your sense of wellbeing and relaxation. Health trainers can support you to try an activity that you enjoy and suits your level of fitness; such as an exercise class or walking group. Learn – Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. Health trainers can help you find a creative arts class or a training course which interests you. Give – Whether it’s a thank you, a kind word or volunteering your time. Helping others makes you feel good about yourself. Wellbeing for Life offer a range of volunteering opportunities across County Durham from; Community Health Champions who support the Health Trainers to Community Volunteers who provide much needed support at events and activities.
Take notice – Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Take time to breathe, unwind: yoga, listening to music, reading a book – time on your own. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. People’s lifestyles and the conditions in which they live and work, act together to influence their health and wellbeing. The wellbeing approach goes beyond looking at a single-issue and instead aims to take a whole-person and community approach to improving health. For further information on the Wellbeing for Life service contact freephone 0800 8766887 or visit www.wellbeingforlife.net, Facebook @CountyDurhamWellbeingForLifeService, Twitter @ WBFL_Durham
