There are many aspects to well-being, but we can narrow them down to 5 easy to implement strategies that you can share with your pupils to help them think about the world around them. Why not download the 'What is well-being' presentation as a starting point for discussion in your class?
Introduction
- Connection with other people
- Being physically active
- Learning new skills
- Giving to others
- Paying attention and being in the moment – Mindfulness
Connect with other people
Spending time with friends and family can create a sense of belonging. You can share your worries with friends and family, enjoy fun times with others and create happy memories.
- Visit a friend or family member
- Being physically active
- Learning new skills
- Giving to others
- Paying attention and being in the moment – Mindfulness
Be physically Active
Setting goals and challenges to improve or do more makes us feel good. Physical activity releases chemicals in our brains that make us feel happy! Getting moving helps us feel better about ourselves
- Make sure you always take part in PE
- Play out in the garden or with friends at the park
- Join lunchtime or after-school clubs
Learn new skills
Learning new things helps us to build confidence. It can help us feel like we have a purpose and what we do is important. We connect meaningfully with other people through new activities
- Join a new club at school like art or music
- Ask a family member to do something with you that you’ve never tried before
- Volunteer at school doing something new like helping with the school garden or being playground leader
Give to others
Helps us feel useful and that we are doing good for others. Giving to others builds strong connections with those we give to. Giving to others creates feelings of happiness and is even good for our physical health.
- Saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you
- Spending time with loved ones or people who are lonely that need support
- Volunteering at home, school or in your community
Mindfulness
Paying attention to present moment can make us feel better about things. Mindfulness can help us to learn about ourselves and know ourselves more deeply. Mindfulness can help us feel more positive about each day and our lives as a whole.
- Paying attention to what you are doing, even simple tasks such as colouring in
- Listening carefully to what is going on and to those around you
- Noticing your surroundings, admiring nature and appreciating simple things