Five Ways to Wellbeing
Check in with your family.Throughout the year, all of the Middle School boys participate in PROSPER classes. The goal is to explore a range of themes that boys can employ to promote personal growth and wellbeing, and allow them to flourish. All of the concepts introduced are grounded in evidence-based research, so we know they can have impact for our boys, but the challenge is to habituate these ideas.
During research into public health, the New Economics Foundation (UK) developed a set of evidence-based steps that we can all take to improve our personal wellbeing: Five Ways to Wellbeing. I thought it might be an interesting exercise for our families to check in on how they feel they are collectively accommodating or living out these ideas, and to encourage wellbeing conversations and actions at home. If you don’t tick the ‘smiliest’ faces, perhaps you can set a goal as a family to develop that area.
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Action |
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Check in … |
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Connect |
Think of relationships as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them: family, friend, colleagues, neighbours. Building these connections will support you when times are tough and enrich you every day as you get older. |
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Be active |
Exercising makes you feel good, so be active. Walk, play, cycle or dance! If you’re not particularly sporty, find a physical activity that you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness. |
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Take notice |
Take notice, be curious, keep a journal or take a photo. Express gratitude. Be mindful. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. |
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Keep learning |
Keep learning. Regularly try something new –but don’t limit this to academic studies. Try a new musical instrument, learn a new language, take drawing classes . . . the possibilities are endless. New challenges build confidence, too. |
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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. Your time is the most valuable thing you can give to anyone. |
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Peter Furey
Year 8 Head of House, Coordinator Growth & Wellbeing