3. Give
Most people would agree that giving to others is a good thing. But it can also do a lot of good for your own mental wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing is about feeling good about yourself, the world around you and being able to get on with life in the way you want.
Acts of kindness, big or small, towards other people, like volunteering in your local community, can give you a sense of purpose and make you feel happier and more satisfied with life.
Sometimes we think of wellbeing in terms of what we have – our income, our home or car, or our job. But evidence suggests it's our actions and our thoughts that have the biggest impact on our overall health. Helping to support other people, and working with others towards a shared goal, can really help improve mental wellbeing.
How you can give more
Giving can take lots of different forms, it can be small everyday acts or larger commitments that really make your day.
If you have 5 minutes you could:
- Say thank you to someone for something they have done for you
- Phone a relative or friend who needs support or company
- Ask a colleague how they are and really listen to the answer
- Offer to lend a hand if you see a stranger struggling with bags or a pushchair
If you have half an hour you could:
- Offer to help a relative with DIY or a colleague with a work project
- Have a look at the Action for Happiness website www.actionforhappiness.org and discover ways of helping yourself and others become happier
If you have an hour or more you could:
- Arrange a day out to explore Oldham for you and a friend or relative
- Volunteer in your local community – Action Together has a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, just visit: www.actiontogether.org.uk
- Organise a fundraising event for a local charity of your choice