5 ways to wellbeing this New Year

Health experts reckon that there are five key steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing - so why not give them a go this January? We asked some of the LionHeart ambassadors to share how they incorporate them into their daily lives…  

Connect (with other people) 
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

• help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth
• give you an opportunity to share positive experiences 
• provide emotional support and allow you to support others 

 “Whether through a midweek 7-a-side match under the floodlights, a winter hike, or a coffee catch-up, I find that staying connected with friends can make a tough week feel manageable.
It gives me perspective, lifts my mood, and reassures me I don’t have to face things on my own." 
Kim Lydon 

 "I have had struggles in my life and needed to reach out for help to organisations and groups in the past. By doing this I was able to find like-minded people who understood me and what I had been through. I am now part of a community of people and we connect daily, which really helps you to not feel alone.
Knowing that you are part of a community of people who care for each other - whether that be family, friends colleagues or neighbours - really does help your health and wellbeing.
As humans we were built for community, not isolation."
Karen Still 

Be active 
Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness, but evidence suggests it can also improve your mental wellbeing by: 

• raising your self-esteem 
• helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them 
• causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood  

“I find being active helps to protect my mental health and is fundamental to my overall wellbeing. Whenever I can (and it's non-negotiable when I have a big day ahead) I always kickstart it with an intense workout first thing in the morning. I can literally feel the oxygen pumping around my body, clearing the mental fog and putting me in the right frame of mind. 
If I ever feel sluggish or need clarity, being active is my reset.” 
Scott Pearshouse 

“I was in a quite a dark place mentally and couldn't really see a way forward. Hockey has been my sport, even now at 67, and I was advised to get back to playing as soon as I could after Covid restricted playing.
After each game, I felt so much better and stronger in myself, both mentally and physically (even if a little tired!) and, the funny thing is, it didn't depend upon the result. Now that I am in a much better place this hasn't changed.
I’ve now gone one step further with additional exercise to help lose some weight and find I feel better most of the time, not just after activity. It’s greatly improved my wellbeing."
Graham Munday

Keep learning 
Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by: 

• boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem 
• helping you to build a sense of purpose 
• helping you to connect with others  

“Recently, rediscovering old interests has greatly supported my wellbeing. I started reading fiction books again, which has helped me reconnect with my love of reading. The added challenge of reading in French has also allowed me to keep learning and engage my mind in a different way.
I have also returned to baking after many years. It has been a pleasant and grounding experience and something that allows me to enjoy a creative activity I have always loved.
It’s reminded me how powerful it can be to revisit old hobbies and continue learning in simple yet meaningful ways." 
Heshna Apadoo

 “Taking on a new role as a head coach of a youth football team has been really rewarding. I’ve learnt to teach drills, demonstrate tactics and prepare for games but also enjoyed the connection with both kids and parents alike.
It teaches growth, sometimes through disappointment like losing a game. Having a team of 25 under-nines and their families relying on me has been a learning curve but watching them develop and grow in confidence has given me a tremendous sense of belonging, purpose and a boost to my own wellbeing.”  
Roy Albert 

Give 
Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by: 

• creating positive feelings and a sense of reward 
• giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth 
• helping you connect with other people 

“In recent years, taking time to mentor others hasn’t just helped them grow, it’s completely strengthened my own sense of purpose. Mentoring is a two-way street: while I share my experience and guidance, I also reinforce my own skills and gain fresh perspectives.
“It’s helped in strengthening my empathy, practising gratitude and reminds me of the value human connection in our industry."
Michaela Tweedley 

“Giving is a cornerstone of wellbeing and a principle deeply rooted in my belief. For me and many others the purpose of giving reflects our commitment to serving others by contributing to the community, supporting colleagues, and sharing knowledge across the industry.
Through acts of generosity, whether in time, skills, or resources we honour our faith, strengthen collective wellbeing, and foster a culture of compassion and collaboration that benefits both individuals and the wider society." 
Habibul Islam

Take notice 
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. Mindfulness can:

• help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better
• positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges  

“I find I get SAD (seasonal affective disorder) a little bit throughout the winter so I am grateful to live where I do. But if I get up early I notice things like trees in the wind, people moving about, dogs and cats and just generally seeing the world crack on – it makes me feel lucky to see and notice these things, keeping it positive and seeing the good in things and people.”
John Tierney

“There was a time when I could not face physical exercise or a journey without some kind of mental stimulation. Now, whenever I am on a walk, run or cycle, I leave my headphones at home. Taking in the sounds of nature allows me to be in the present moment, relax, and gives me time and space to reflect.
Train journeys would always be a time to engage with either my laptop or phone – trying to use the time up productively by catching up with work or waste that time away by scrolling. Once I turned these devices off, I began using this time to meditate, noticing the sounds in the carriage just like a thought, and letting them go."
Adam Henderson