The Five Ways to Wellbeing are five simple steps you can take to feel happier. You may find that some are things you already do, but by finding time in your day for all five, you’ll find the benefits are much increased.
- For five weeks from 7 October there will be a range of events for colleagues to get involved in.
CONNECT – From 7 October
Good relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours are important for mental wellbeing. Building stronger, broader social connections can increase your feelings of happiness and self-worth.
Colleague events
Monday, 7 October (10.30am to 11am) – online escape room coffee and chat
The escape room is a virtual informal chat with colleagues to talk about anything other than work. Come along for a break from your working day, and a chance to meet new friends.
Wednesday, 9 October (1pm-2pm) – learn about befriending
A Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, 9 October where you can learn about volunteering with BEfriend, a great organisation that matches volunteers with people experiencing loneliness. You can watch this short video to get a taste of what that looks like.
BE ACTIVE – From 14 October
Being active is great for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym, you can also find physical activities you enjoy and try to fit more of them into your daily life.
Colleague events
Tuesday, 15 October (1.30pm-2.30pm) – gentle flow yoga with Sobha from Lampton Leisure
Gentle flow yoga is a sequence of poses that start with slow movements and gradually build up the pace by holding poses for longer to achieve deep stretching. It typically consists of a mix of seated and standing poses.
A 45-minute gentle flow can help restore muscles and calm the mind. This session is suitable for beginners.
- Please wear loose fitting clothes and bring a yoga mat
- You will be asked to complete a short health waiver before the session
Please email publichealth
Free Lampton Leisure passes
Lampton Leisure is offering a FREE three-day guest pass for residents and employees! The offer can only be redeemed in the week commencing 14 October. We’ll update you with more details before then, so stay tuned.
Workplace suggestions
- Take the stairs (some of the way up or walk down the stairs instead)
- Cycle to work (there are free bike racks and showers)
- Go for a walk at lunchtime
- Get off the bus one stop earlier
- If you are a resident or a staff member (living within the M25) join BetterPoints and get rewarded for your activity
KEEP LEARNING – From 21 October
Whatever your age, you can learn something new! Learning new skills can boost self-esteem, help build a sense of purpose, and help us connect with others.
Colleague events
Tuesday, 22 Oct (1pm-2pm) – Learn about the Public Health team’s work to reduce health inequalities
Join us for a Lunch and Learn that will showcase the Health Inequalities Research Findings in CORE20 areas.
You will get to hear about the extensive data analysis and community engagement efforts that took place over the past six months (Jan-July) by nine local VCSE groups. This work has provided deep insights into the challenges faced by those living in the most deprived areas of Hounslow (CORE20 areas).
Workplace suggestions
- Learn a new IT skill
- Learn a new word
- Visit Hounslow Library (on the 1st floor of Hounslow House)
TAKE NOTICE– From 28 October
Taking time out to stop, become aware of your surroundings, and listen to your thoughts and feelings can improve your mental wellbeing.
Sometimes this is called ‘mindfulness’ and it is all about becoming more aware of the sights, smells, sounds and tastes that you’re experiencing.
Most of us have issues that we find hard to let go, and mindfulness can help us deal with them. Taking notice of the world around you can bring about reductions in stress and improvements in mood.
Colleague events
Tuesday, 29 October, (10am-2.30pm) – Free blood pressure checks
Take notice of your health with free blood pressure checks at the collaborative sofa area on the second floor of Hounslow House with our brilliant Health Outreach Team.
The team can also offer advice on where to turn for a range of health issues.
GIVE – From 4 November
Most people would agree that giving to others can improve your mental wellbeing. Small acts of kindness to other people, or volunteering in your local community, can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel happier and more satisfied about life.
Colleague events
Read up about volunteering days
Did you know that you can take up to two days paid volunteering leave every year? You just need your line manager’s agreement and for them to agree that the volunteering is appropriate.
There is no shortage of worthy causes that you can support, but if you want some local inspiration take a look at some of the causes supported by the Council’s Thriving Communities Fund.
Workplace suggestions
- Make a cup of tea for colleagues
- Bake some cakes/bring some food in for your team
- Plan to use your staff volunteer days
- Offer to help a colleague