The Six Ways to Wellbeing

The Six Ways to Wellbeing

Wellbeing is a comprehensive and vital component of overall health. For a high level of wellbeing, a person must be secure and flourish across all the physical, mental and emotional aspects of health. To this end, an understanding of the six ways to wellbeing is highly beneficial for fostering a supportive environment, particularly for children in primary schools. By adopting practices that promote these six ways, students can thrive both academically and personally.

Understanding the Concept of Wellbeing

Wellbeing refers to a holistic state of health that encompasses physical, mental and emotional elements. It does not merely refer to the absence of illness, rather a dynamic process involving actively pursuing a fulfilling, balanced and healthy life. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasises that high wellbeing involves the fulfilment of various aspects of life, including social relationships, mental health and economic stability​.

Integrating wellbeing into everyday life—especially for children—has been proven to promote resilience, emotional stability and a sense of belonging. The New Economics Foundation (NEF) highlights that focusing on wellbeing in schools can lead to an enhancement of individual happiness and social cohesion, leading to improved educational outcomes​ as well as a number of benefits in many aspects of a child’s life.

The Six Ways to Wellbeing

The six ways to wellbeing form a set of evidence-based actionable steps designed to promote mental health and overall wellbeing. They were developed by the NEF in 2008 as part of their work to enhance individual and community wellbeing. Their method used to be called The Five Ways to Wellbeing.

The framework of the six ways emerged as a result of extensive research into the factors that contribute to happiness and life satisfaction. It has since been widely adopted by various organisations, including schools, workplaces and community programmes.

The following are the six ways to wellbeing, each being of equal importance:

1. Connect: Building strong, positive relationships with family, friends, colleagues and one’s communities fosters a strong sense of belonging and support, which is vital for mental and emotional health.
2. Be Active: Engaging in regular physical activity improves both physical and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which provoke a sense of accomplishment, enhance mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Take Notice: Regularly practising mindfulness, meditation or similar activities and being aware of the present moment can enhance emotional awareness and appreciation for life. These activities encourage individuals to reflect on their experiences and find joy in everyday moments, leading to improved mental and emotional health.
4. Keep Learning: Lifelong learning stimulates the brain and contributes to personal growth. Engaging in new skills or hobbies both new and old fosters a keen sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence.
5. Give: Acts of kindness and community service increase happiness and purpose. Volunteering one’s time and effort to others fosters a sense of purpose, social connection and reinforces a sense of community among many other things.
6. Nurture Your Body: Looking after one’s physical health through proper nutrition, hydration and sufficient sleep—alongside regular exercise—is essential for overall wellbeing. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

By incorporating the six ways to wellbeing into classes, schools can create a nurturing environment that improves mental health and supports the overall development of their students. Embracing these principles not only enhances individual wellbeing and, thereby, academic performance, but also fosters a sense of community and belonging which is vital for students to thrive in educational settings.

Incorporating the Six Ways into Primary School Life

Integrating the six ways to wellbeing into everyday life and classes in primary schools significantly enhances the overall environment for students. Schools actively promoting these practices often see improved academic performance as well as stronger and more positive relationships between the students, creating a more supportive learning atmosphere conducive to academic, social and mental success.

Wellbeing Workshops

One effective approach of introducing the six ways to primary school-aged students is through wellbeing workshops. These workshops can educate students about the six ways to wellbeing, equipping them with the knowledge, practical tools and methods for managing their mental health. By engaging in interactive activities about wellbeing, students learn how to connect with others, be active and take notice of their and others’ feelings, which fosters resilience and emotional intelligence.

Community Engagement

Another essential initiative schools can participate in is community engagement. Schools can organise projects that involve students participating in community service. These projects give students opportunities to apply the principles of giving and connecting, not only benefiting their own wellbeing but also connecting with and improving their local communities. This involvement not only cultivates empathy and social responsibility but also strengthens their ties to the community, reinforcing a sense of belonging and widening their social exposure. Studies show that such engagement with local communities can lead to improved mental health, as students feel more connected and valued within their local environment.

Wellbeing Ambassadors

Finally, the establishment of a wellbeing ambassadors programme to be headed by certain students can play a crucial role in promoting the six ways throughout the school on the students’ own terms. These student leaders can identify any wellbeing issues and advocate for wellbeing practices among their peers to foster a culture of support and positivity. 

By training ambassadors to take on these responsibilities, leading initiatives such as mindfulness sessions and active breaks among other key support measures, schools empower students to take charge of and play a key role in the active maintenance of the wellbeing of the whole student body. This ultimately leads to the creation of a supportive network that enhances the overall school climate. Research indicates that student-led wellbeing programmes can effectively improve engagement and participation in wellbeing activities, benefiting both individual students and the school community as a whole in a myriad of ways.

Student Support and Wellbeing

To successfully support student wellbeing, collaboration among educators, parents, the community and the students themselves is required. Schools have a vital role to play in creating a learning environment that prioritises mental health. Research indicates that schools implementing comprehensive wellbeing programmes report improved academic performance and student behaviour.

Providing access to mental health resources and encouraging their use, such as counselling services and workshops on coping strategies, is essential. Furthermore, training staff to recognise the signs of emotional distress, especially early on, ensures that students receive the support they need to thrive in childhood and on into adolescence.

Embracing Wellbeing for a Healthier Life

Embracing the six ways to wellbeing is essential for schools to foster a healthier, happier life for students. By integrating these practices into students’ primary education, schools can equip children with the skills they need to thrive in all areas of their lives, at school and beyond. Focusing on wellbeing promotes academic success while encouraging personal growth and resilience.

Incorporating the six ways to wellbeing into everyday school life empowers students to build strong and positive connections with both peers and others in their communities, stay active, remain mindful, continue learning, give back and effectively manage stress and other mental trappings. Educators and communities that prioritise wellbeing lay the foundation for a brighter future for their students, preparing them to navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

For further insights into effective wellbeing strategies in educational settings, consider exploring resources at Muse Wellbeing.