The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a set of simple, everyday actions that can make a world of difference. They're like little tricks to building resilience, boosting your wellbeing and reducing the chances of facing mental health challenges.
Mental Health Awareness Week starts on Monday, and this year the Mental Health Foundation have given it the theme: "Five Ways, Five Days."
I thought we could have a look at how we might join in on the fun next week.
Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honoured by every nation.
I will be honoured throughout the world.
Psalm 46:10
In the hustle and bustle of our every day lives, it's easy to forget the small joys around us. As we begin Mental Health Awareness Week, let's start by simply taking notice. Neuroscientific research has shown that mindfulness practices can lead to changes in the brain associated with increased focus and emotional regulation. In their description of this one, the Mental Health Foundation list some beautiful habits that I think we’ll be quite familiar with. “Gratitude, forgiveness, reflection, and finding meaning can make us feel better," they say.
Meditating on the words and character of God is a great way to be still. Some of us love contemplative practices like silence. Even a walk through nature to enjoy creation is an act of worship, finding joy in simply being present.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 3:27
Giving is about being generous with our time, words and resources. Generosity can boost our mental health and give us feelings of satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose.
We reflect God’s own generous nature when we give. This could look like helping those in need and volunteering in our communities, or simply taking a few moments to compliment someone. So, let's be kind and generous!
Honour God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:20
Being active and looking after our bodies is important for our mental health, too. I’m sure you’ve heard it before – getting a bit of exercise is really good for you. From decreasing stress levels to helping with sleep and reducing the risk of heaps of different chronic conditions, exercise is key.
We can also think of it as a way to say thanks to God for our bodies and the life we have. I know Bishop Steve is great at this, with his marathon running! But it’s not easy for everyone, so just do what you can. If you love a good two-birds-one-stone scenario, you could knock this one out with another of the five “ways” – like going for a mindfulness walk, or taking a hike with a friend.
In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5
We’re social beings. Feeling close to people and knowing they care about us is really important, and meaningful connections with others are vital for our mental and emotional health.
As Christians, we’re part of one big family in Christ. God calls us to unity in supporting and encouraging each other. During this week and beyond, let's make an effort to talk, listen, and be there for each other. Building strong relationships is not only good for our mental wellbeing, but also reflects our faith in action.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
Proverbs 18:15
On the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week, we're encouraged to keep learning and trying new things. Continued learning and intellectual stimulation help with cognitive function and mental agility. Trying out new experiences and setting achievable goals can be great for confidence too. From doing a Wordle to picking up a new skill to enrolling in a short course, you’ve got plenty of options to stretch your brain. And I’ll never miss an opportunity to plug Discipleship Pathway – free online learning made by kiwi Christians for kiwi Christians!
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you,” says James 1:5. God, source of all wisdom and knowledge, is always leading us towards a better understanding of him, the world, and ourselves.
I’m good at forgetting to do things like these for my mental and physical health, so I’m challenging myself to be intentional about it next week. Some of these practices come more naturally to me than others – as they would for anyone. But whether it looks daunting or embarrassingly obvious, we can take it at our own paces. Feel free to join me from your own context and we’ll work on our wellbeing together!
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a set of simple, everyday actions that can make a world of difference. They're like little tricks to building resilience, boosting your wellbeing and reducing the chances of facing mental health challenges.
Mental Health Awareness Week starts on Monday, and this year the Mental Health Foundation have given it the theme: "Five Ways, Five Days."
I thought we could have a look at how we might join in on the fun next week.
Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honoured by every nation.
I will be honoured throughout the world.
Psalm 46:10
In the hustle and bustle of our every day lives, it's easy to forget the small joys around us. As we begin Mental Health Awareness Week, let's start by simply taking notice. Neuroscientific research has shown that mindfulness practices can lead to changes in the brain associated with increased focus and emotional regulation. In their description of this one, the Mental Health Foundation list some beautiful habits that I think we’ll be quite familiar with. “Gratitude, forgiveness, reflection, and finding meaning can make us feel better," they say.
Meditating on the words and character of God is a great way to be still. Some of us love contemplative practices like silence. Even a walk through nature to enjoy creation is an act of worship, finding joy in simply being present.
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
Proverbs 3:27
Giving is about being generous with our time, words and resources. Generosity can boost our mental health and give us feelings of satisfaction and a greater sense of purpose.
We reflect God’s own generous nature when we give. This could look like helping those in need and volunteering in our communities, or simply taking a few moments to compliment someone. So, let's be kind and generous!
Honour God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:20
Being active and looking after our bodies is important for our mental health, too. I’m sure you’ve heard it before – getting a bit of exercise is really good for you. From decreasing stress levels to helping with sleep and reducing the risk of heaps of different chronic conditions, exercise is key.
We can also think of it as a way to say thanks to God for our bodies and the life we have. I know Bishop Steve is great at this, with his marathon running! But it’s not easy for everyone, so just do what you can. If you love a good two-birds-one-stone scenario, you could knock this one out with another of the five “ways” – like going for a mindfulness walk, or taking a hike with a friend.
In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:5
We’re social beings. Feeling close to people and knowing they care about us is really important, and meaningful connections with others are vital for our mental and emotional health.
As Christians, we’re part of one big family in Christ. God calls us to unity in supporting and encouraging each other. During this week and beyond, let's make an effort to talk, listen, and be there for each other. Building strong relationships is not only good for our mental wellbeing, but also reflects our faith in action.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
for the ears of the wise seek it out.
Proverbs 18:15
On the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week, we're encouraged to keep learning and trying new things. Continued learning and intellectual stimulation help with cognitive function and mental agility. Trying out new experiences and setting achievable goals can be great for confidence too. From doing a Wordle to picking up a new skill to enrolling in a short course, you’ve got plenty of options to stretch your brain. And I’ll never miss an opportunity to plug Discipleship Pathway – free online learning made by kiwi Christians for kiwi Christians!
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you,” says James 1:5. God, source of all wisdom and knowledge, is always leading us towards a better understanding of him, the world, and ourselves.
I’m good at forgetting to do things like these for my mental and physical health, so I’m challenging myself to be intentional about it next week. Some of these practices come more naturally to me than others – as they would for anyone. But whether it looks daunting or embarrassingly obvious, we can take it at our own paces. Feel free to join me from your own context and we’ll work on our wellbeing together!
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
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