The 6 pillars of mental wellbeing
Six pillars to build resilience and help you thrive.
Research shows if you do something from each of these six pillars every day, it will help you feel good, function well, and bounce back from stress.
Doing just one thing from each pillar every day is a way to look after your future self. Over time you should feel more positive, resilient, and able to get the most out of life.
They may be small daily actions but they can lead to big improvements in wellbeing.
Pillar One: Chill
Chill is all about reducing stress. It’s the things you do to calm your mind, relax your body, and switch off your fight or flight response.
Did you know? You can’t be relaxed and stressed at the same time. Chilling tells your fight or flight response it’s safe to relax.
Discover more about relaxation and stress management.
Pillar Two: Do
Do is all about learning. It’s the things you do to keep your brain active and stay creative.
Did you know? When you set a goal of learning something new it helps to take small steps and notice progress along the way. This strengthens brain networks that expect positive outcomes, so you’ll feel more optimistic and better about yourself.
Discover more about learning and creativity.
Pillar Three: Connect
Connect is all about connecting with and helping others. It’s the things you do to strengthen relationships, socialise, give back, and volunteer.
Did you know? Connecting boosts “feel good” brain chemicals oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Acts of kindness and helping others is associated with feeling happier and more satisfied with life.
Discover more about social bonds and giving back.
Pillar Four: Move
Move is all about keeping physically active. It’s the things you do to move your body in a way that feels good.
Did you know? Keeping active improves physical health, but it’s also a way to raise your spirits. If you’re not used to doing lots of exercise, just moving a little bit can be enough to lift your mood.
Discover more about fitness and how it helps mood.
Pillar Five: Celebrate
Celebrate is all about taking time to celebrate and appreciate YOU. It’s the things you do to notice the positive, to be kind to yourself, and to feel good about yourself.
Did you know? Evidence indicates that taking time to think kind thoughts about yourself leads to greater happiness and being better equipped to cope with stressful situations.
Discover more about values and empowerment.
Pillar Six: Enjoy
Enjoy is all about having things to look forward to. It’s the things you do for pleasure and fun, and to practice self-care.
Did you know? Making time for pleasure, fun and laughter can help boost “feel good” brain chemicals, serotonin and endorphins. This can help you feel more upbeat for the rest of the day and more resilient in the face of stress.