Charity of the year: Dorset Mind

Although Christmas is often portrayed in media as a time of good will and cheer, a lot of people will be impacted by the darkness that winter and the New Year can bring. The ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ is a proven method for managing mental health during everyday life and is at the heart of everything we do at Dorset Mind.

The first step is ‘connect’

This step combats loneliness and promotes self-affirmation. Connecting with others and belonging are basic human needs that are often overlooked.

The second step is ‘be active’

This step promotes physical activity. Movement of any kind and getting outdoors lowers rates of depression and anxiety among people of all ages. It doesn’t have to be strenuous either. A brisk ten-minute walk to work can work wonders.

The third step is ‘take notice’

This step promotes good selfawareness. Taking notice of the environment around you, your mood and what affects you positively and negatively can all help to raise self-awareness and reduce low mood and anxiety in the future.

The fourth step is ‘learn’

This step encourages self-esteem. Learning new things, even something small, at your own pace and completing goals, however big, gives little boosts to self-esteem that can make all the difference when you really need it.

The fifth step is ‘give’

This step promotes generosity to ourselves and others. Small acts of kindness and seeing the shine of gratitude in other’s faces can be one of the most rewarding things that’s easily achieved on a day-to-day basis. A smile here or there can be all it takes to brighten everyone’s day, including your own.

Find out more about the ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ to look after your mind and body here: https:// bit.ly/5WaystoWellbeing