Our ongoing support for the 5 Ways to Wellbeing is about encouraging residents to take up something new, or do more of something they already do, because it feels good and it has a positive effect on their mood.
We want to encourage people to explore all the opportunities in our borough that can positively impact their wellbeing. The 5 Ways to Wellbeing is a proven methodology we use to frame the opportunities available under the following headings:
- Take Notice
- Keep Learning
- Be Active
- Help Others /Give
- Connect
A range of partner organisations who work with the Council are involved in running wellbeing activities all year round. Details are accessible from their websites:
- Canalside Activity Centre
- Kooth
- BWD Carers Service
- BwD Adult learning Service
- BwD Libraries Service
- Blackburn Foodbank
- Lancashire Mind
- BwD Age UK
- Brook Advisory Centre
- Change Grow Live
- BwD’s Wellbeing Service
- The Bureau Centre for the Arts
- Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
- IMO Charity
- BwD’s Leisure Centres
- Sue Jeffries Garden Advice and Training
- Refresh
- Corporation Park Supporters’ Group
- Togetherall
- Motivate
- Blackburn with Darwen Local Offer
- Blackburn Rovers Community Trust
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing isn’t new; it’s a proven methodology that can be used to highlight the opportunities and activities that can positively impact our wellbeing.
There is nothing new or surprising in these messages other than knowing that there is substantial evidence to support their value in helping you to live well.
Here’s some more information and ideas on how you can engage with the 5 Ways to Wellbeing:
- Take Notice
-
How
- Be curious
- Catch sight of the beautiful.
- Remark on the unusual
- Notice the changing seasons
- Savour the moment
- Be aware of the world around you
Why
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.
Only got 5 mins
Take notice of how you are feeling at this very moment, watch your thoughts and feel the sensations in the body.
See the list of partner organisations above and the links to their websites. Please check out their regular programme of activities. Give one a go.
Use the #5waysbwd
-
Keep Learning
-
How
- Try something new
- Rediscover an old interest
- Sign up for that course
- Take on a different responsibility at work
- Learn to play an instrument
- Set a challenge you’ll enjoy achieving
Why
The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.
Only got 5 mins
Go online and check out TED for thousands of short, powerful talks delivered by world’s leading thinkers and doers. Watch one talk on a topic that interests you.
Got longer
See the list of partner organisations above and the links to their websites. Please check out their regular programme of activities. Give one a go.
Use the #5waysbwd
- Be Active
-
How
- Discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness
- Go for a walk or run or cycle
- Play a game / Garden / Dance
Why
Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.
Plank for one minute. Doing this for a minute today will reap huge benefits.
Got longer
See the list of partner organisations above and the links to their websites. Please check out their regular programme of activities. Give one a go.
Use the #5waysbwd
- Helping Others/ Give
-
How
- Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger
- Thank someone
- Smile at someone
- Volunteer your time
- Join a community group
Why
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.
Only got 5 minutes
Show your appreciation for someone by thanking them publicly.
Got longer
See the list of partner organisations above and the links to their websites. Please check out their regular programme of activities. Give one a go.
Use the #5waysbwd
- Connect
-
How
- Connect with the people around you -
- Family, friends, colleagues & neighbours
- Connect at home, work, school or in your local community.
Why
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.
Only got 5 minutes
Message a friend. It doesn’t matter what it says, people appreciate it when you think of them.
Got longer
See the list of partner organisations above and the links to their websites. Please check out their regular programme of activities. Give one a go.
Use the #5waysbwd
Doing just one of these activities will boost your wellbeing, but doing one or more of these activities each week, is a guaranteed way to feel the maximum benefits. Proof that small changes can make a big difference.