Five Ways to Christmas Wellbeing
18 December 2024
As the festive season is upon us, it’s good to take a breath and be reminded about the Five Ways to Wellbeing – five, simple steps you can take to help improve your mental health and wellbeing amidst the busyness of Christmas.
Connect with other people: Christmas is a time to spend with family & friends, share festive wishes with neighbours and be there for those that need you.
Be Physically Active: Start the day with a stretch & lose those extra Christmas calories by taking a walk, cycle or swim and dance your way into the New Year.
Learn New Skills: Use the festive break to take up a new hobby, settle down with a jigsaw, knit a winter scarf or cook up a leftovers pie!
Give to Others: Christmas is so much more than sharing gifts – you can also give your love, time and kindness in abundance.
Pay Attention to the Present Moment: And not just the one where you unwrap your gifts! Make time to breathe out, take five for yourself, reflect on the moment and appreciate everything you have.
Earlier this year, the Weston Arts + Health Festival brought people together in positive shared activities that supported both physical and mental health. A ‘Take Five’ theme marked the 5th anniversary of the event, a partnership between University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) and Super Culture.
Community joy spilled onto the sands of Weston-super-Mare as people from all walks of life engaged in a packed weekend programme of creative offers that took place in a unique festival hub on the beach. From bird-spotting in the dunes, jumping with joy at Circus, revelling at the Posh Club, singing for wellbeing, bidding at the Great Tea Cosy Auction, Peace Feasting and more, there was plenty to fill your cup.
Here is a video that captures some of those special festival moments, created by Nick Sutton Films with the accompanying poem ‘Mint Tea’ written and performed by Beth Calverley.