The Government Office for Science published a report last year, "Mental Capital and Wellbeing: Making the most of ourselves in the 21st century" a culmination of two years worth of research by well-respected psychologists such as Cary Cooper among others. By commissioning the project and publishing the report the Government recognises its key role in helping each of us 'flourish'. The report is a massive 317 pages long and one tiny snippet I like is the equivalent of "5 Fruit & Veg a day" to build our mental capital:
1. Connect… With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them.Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
2. Be active… Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
3. Take notice… Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
4. Keep learning… Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
5. Give … Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
Tuesday 26 May 2009
Saturday 9 May 2009
Mystery Birthday Present
A truly munificent friend took me out for a mystery day of fun today (her birthday present to me). She's the most thoughtful, inspiring, interesting and interested person so needless to say it was top banana. Before the day had even begun it was a thrill to know I was being taken care of and entertained without having to do any of thinking, planning or prep. A wonderful and rare thing! (Admittedly I'd already prepared a packed lunch for children and husband to take to the zoo before I left the house).
She began by giving me an envelope contining postacrd clues to what we were going to get up to, the theme for the day being 'doing something different.' The highlight was a bibliotherapy session at The School of Life with Ella Berthoud (fabulous artist as well as knowing her books), although having a whole day in my friend's company was the most special aspect. We always have so much to say, so many ideas to exchange and discuss and we come away buoyed from being with the other. Having talked about shaping our worlds, lessening our tendency to be people pleasers and accepting rules I sneaked a brief lie-down on Sigmund Freud's couch which was clearly labelled DO NOT TOUCH and NO PHOTOGRAPHY(displayed in the Madness & Modernity: Mental Illness and the visual arts in Vienna 1900 exhibition at Wellcome Collection). Of course we took a picture. What would Sigmund say?
She began by giving me an envelope contining postacrd clues to what we were going to get up to, the theme for the day being 'doing something different.' The highlight was a bibliotherapy session at The School of Life with Ella Berthoud (fabulous artist as well as knowing her books), although having a whole day in my friend's company was the most special aspect. We always have so much to say, so many ideas to exchange and discuss and we come away buoyed from being with the other. Having talked about shaping our worlds, lessening our tendency to be people pleasers and accepting rules I sneaked a brief lie-down on Sigmund Freud's couch which was clearly labelled DO NOT TOUCH and NO PHOTOGRAPHY(displayed in the Madness & Modernity: Mental Illness and the visual arts in Vienna 1900 exhibition at Wellcome Collection). Of course we took a picture. What would Sigmund say?
Thursday 7 May 2009
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
I've been commissioned to write a feature for SHE magazine and it gave me the opportunity to drop a line to a rather groovily named Hungarian psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced Me-hi Cheek-sent-me-hi) asking for a quote. He's 'famous' for his contribution to the 'positive' branch of psychology and I read one of his books years ago - "Flow: The classic work on how to achieve happiness". To my amazement and delight he mailed straight back with a quote and I have to say, it was a thrill. Am I nerd of what?
I've just finished Kate Atkinson's latest novel, "When will there be good news" which was as much a page turner as her other two featuring Jackson Brodie. Not quite as gripping as Sophie Hannah's "The Point of Rescue" but close. Thoroughly recommend both. I read a feature by Sophie Hannah in a recent edition of SHE magazine (on feeling smothered by motherhood)and was compelled to write in commenting on how impressed I was by her honesty. Blooming marevllous it is to hear people say what they really think and feel.
I've just finished Kate Atkinson's latest novel, "When will there be good news" which was as much a page turner as her other two featuring Jackson Brodie. Not quite as gripping as Sophie Hannah's "The Point of Rescue" but close. Thoroughly recommend both. I read a feature by Sophie Hannah in a recent edition of SHE magazine (on feeling smothered by motherhood)and was compelled to write in commenting on how impressed I was by her honesty. Blooming marevllous it is to hear people say what they really think and feel.
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