What are the NHS Five Ways to Wellbeing

The NHS Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple, evidence-based actions that can help us to look after our mental health, increase our feelings of happiness, and improve our overall wellbeing. They are:

Connect – Connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Be active – Find a physical activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life.

Take notice – Be aware of the world around you and of how you are feeling.

Keep learning – Try something new or rediscover an old interest.

Give – Do something nice for someone else. Doing good for others will benefit both you and the person you are helping. By taking small steps like these, you can make a big difference to how you feel.

How Mindfulness in nature can help improve your well-being

Mindfulness in nature is a powerful practice that helps cultivate the five ways to well-being. Through mindful activities in nature, we can build a strong connection to the natural environment and enhance our mental, physical and spiritual health. Mindfulness in nature helps us to become aware of the beauty of nature, appreciate and savor the moment, and develop an appreciation of the simple things in life. The five ways to well-being that Mindfulness in Nature incorporates include:

1. Connect: By connecting with nature, we can foster feelings of connection, belonging, and interdependence. Nature provides a safe space to be present and observe our thoughts and feelings, allowing us to gain insight and understanding of our inner selves.
Mindful Photography is an amazing way to connect with the nature around us and with like-minded individuals. It can help us appreciate our local area in a whole new way, and create a sense of community with others who share our passion. Sharing photos with others, either on social media or in person, is a great way to show our support and encouragement for each other, as well as a great way to meet new people. It's an incredible way to bring people together and foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty of our natural surroundings.

2. Be active: Spending time outdoors increases our physical activity. We can take advantage of the natural environment to engage in activities such as walking, running, swimming, and biking. You will find that you will spend quite a lot of time walking around, stretching, crouching, and squatting to get the desired photo angles. To get the most out of your time at the workshop, it's important to remember to take frequent breaks to stretch and move around. Additionally, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that will support your movements and provide the best mobility. Finally, don't forget to stay hydrated and energized with healthy snacks throughout the workshop.

3. Take notice: Through mindfulness, we can learn to pay attention to our surroundings, appreciate the present moment, and gain an understanding of how nature affects our well-being. Mindful Photography is such a great way to be mindful and truly appreciate the world around us. It allows us to take time to observe the beauty of the colors, lighting, and shapes of the environment. It helps us to become aware of the feelings we experience at that moment. Taking a few minutes to practice mindful photography can be a great way to relax and be in the moment.

4. Keep learning: Nature provides us with an opportunity to learn new things, explore our curiosity, and discover new passions.
Developing a mindful approach to photography is an immensely rewarding experience. Not only will you learn more about the intricate details of photography, but you'll also be able to explore the natural world around you. By learning more about different birds, plants, and other wildlife, you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of nature in a unique and meaningful way. As you learn more, you'll also be able to capture stunning photos that reflect your newfound understanding and appreciation of the natural world. It's a journey that will bring you immense joy and satisfaction!

5. Give: Connecting with nature also allows us to give and contribute to the environment. We can help to protect and preserve nature by engaging in activities such as volunteering and conservation. Sharing photos on social media helps contributes to a larger cause of getting people interested in the area and making an effort to protect it. There is also enjoyment to be had in encouraging and supporting others as we share and comment on photos together.

Mindfulness in nature is an incredibly powerful practice that can help us cultivate well-being and find balance in our lives.

It's great that you're looking for ways to bring more well-being into your life! Hobbies and activities can be a great way to do that.

Taking some time to reflect on your current hobbies and how they can help you with your 5 Ways to Wellbeing is a great idea. For example, if you love to cook, you can use it to practice connecting with others by hosting dinner parties or sharing meals with people you care about. If you're into music, you can use it to give yourself a boost of energy or to reduce stress. You can also use it to practice giving, by joining a choir or donating to a cause you care about. By taking a closer look at your current hobbies, you can find ways to make them even more beneficial in your life.