Reduce the "one in Five"
HOW THIS CHALLENGE WORKS AND HOW TO JOIN
Deni MHAG is joining forces with the Channel4Change and Hiking For Health, Habitat and Humanity initiative to raise awareness of mental illness and mental wellbeing during Mental health Month in October.
Deni MHAG is using this "Five in Five" theme to challenge all our community to get involved. Our goal is to challenge the community to come up with their own Five in Five challenges - not only with regards to physical activity , but any or all of the "5 ways to Wellbeing" initiative.
This could mean a variety of things to different people. Everyone can ‘try the 5’ at home, work or during study. Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Be Aware and Help Others.
The challenge to the community is to try at least try one new thing from every " 5 ways" every week.
Deni MHAG will be posting these challenges every week starting the last week in September. WE will link you to resources and pages with ideas of how to make this challenge work.
WEEK 1 will focus on CONNECT. Connect with people around you; with family, friends, neighbours or people you meet, at work, school or at the shops. Think of these social connections as important in your life and spend time developing them. Building these relationships will support and strengthen you every day.
WEEK 2 will encourage the way to BE ACTIVE .
Keep your mind and body active. Step outside your house or go for a walk or run. Play a sport, dance, ride a bike or do some gardening. Find something you enjoy and do it regularly. Exercising makes you feel good and helps to clear your mind.
WEEK 3 will focus on BE AWARE: Take Notice
Be aware of the world around you; notice the changing seasons and the beautiful sights, smells and sounds as you do your daily activities. Notice how you feel. Try this as you walk, eat lunch or wait for a train. Being aware of the ‘here and now’ can help you feel calm and reduce stress.
WEEK 4 will encourage KEEP LEARNING
Try something new or rediscover a past interest. Learn to sew, read a new book, listen to a radio program or take on a new role at work. Learn to play a musical instrument or do a computer course. Learning can be fun. It can give you a sense of achievement and build your confidence.
WEEK 5 will focus on ways to HELP OTHERS . Do something kind for a friend or stranger. Thank someone, smile or say hello. Give your time to a community group or help a neighbour. Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and belonging, build friendships and make your community a better place
Challenge yourself, your family , friends or work mates. Get involved in setting goals and doing activities related to that week’s “Way to Wellbeing”.
Follow the Deni MHAG facebook page to get up to date challenges and information around this event throughout October.
