There are many things we can do to protect our own well-being and the well-being of those around us. Suggestions based on the Five Ways to Well-being include the following:

• Connect: Good relationships and social support are an important predictor of well-being. Spending time with our friends, family, colleagues and members of the community can help us to feel socially connected, and can open us up to new experiences.
• Be Active: Exercise doesn’t have to be limited to the gym or sports arena. We can enjoy ordinary outdoor activities, such as walking, swimming or dancing. Finding something we enjoy and making it a routine can help us to develop healthy habits for life.
• Keep Learning: Joining classes or teaching ourselves something new can help us to discover something we enjoy and offer us newfound confidence. We might also rediscover something that we used to enjoy doing. For instance, we could pursue a foreign language, try out a new sport or social activity, or delve into a book at the library.
• Notice: Mindfulness and meditation have increasingly been validated by research, and are examples of how we might improve our well-being by paying more attention to our thoughts, feelings, experiences, and environment. Upon noticing things, we might be able to appreciate good things, and address
• Give: Doing things for others, no matter how small, can boost self-esteem by reminding us of what we have to offer our community. Whether we choose to volunteer regularly, or just look out for people around us that need a bit of help, our actions can help make our communities and environment happier places for all of us.

New Economics Foundation – neweconomics.org

More information about self-care and practical tips have been provided by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, here. For mental health support and services, or if you or someone you know requires immediate support, please visit the CSRP Help Page.