WoW Newsletter – April 2021

Welcome to the Wheel of Wellbeing (WoW) – a simple framework designed to improve people’s health, happiness and wellbeing by focusing on six areas – Body, Mind, Spirit, People, Place and Planet. This monthly newsletter provides a roundup of the latest wellbeing tips, activities, research and resources to inspire better health and wellbeing. Tap into them – for yourself, your families, workplaces, schools and communities – and help create a happier world for us all!

This month we are focusing on the whole wheel with a great range of ideas and activities to suit everyone and some thoughts on how to pick something that works for you.

Finding the right wellbeing activity for you
We are all different and what suits one person might not suit someone else, so we need to figure out what works for us. Here are some pointers to help you find what’s right for you.

Positive incentives – the more these apply the more likely you are to stick with it.

The activity feels natural
You enjoy doing this activity
You value doing this activity, and will still do it even if you are not enjoying it

Negative incentives – if these are your main drivers you are less likely to stick with it:

You feel ashamed or guilty if you do not do this
You only do this because someone else wants you to do this

On average it takes 66 days to make a habit, so if you do find something that works for you, stick with it until it becomes as automatic as cleaning your teeth!

WoW Days of the Month

Create a focal point for wellbeing activities in your school, workplace or community.

7th April – World Health Day

World Health Day’s message is simple: giving people access to healthcare without the prospect of financial hardship. This is more important than ever as the world grapples with COVID-19. So why not join the World Health Organisation’s new campaign to build a fairer happier world.

15^th April – Micro Volunteering day

Microvolunteering is a simple concept – individuals take convenient, bite-sized actions, often from home, in support of a good cause. This can be anything from writing a letter to an elderly hospital patient or tagging internet photos to help the visually impaired. Microvolunteering Day aims to raise awareness of this kind of short, easy, active citizenship and encourage people to get on and get involved.

Why not use Microvolunteering Day as a launch pad to inspire yourself and others to act. Find a project you can support and help make the world a better place – all from the comfort of your couch!

22^nd April – International Mother Earth Day

Image by pikisuperstar at www.freepik.com

The International ‘Mother Earth Day’ is celebrated to encourage each of us to recall how the Earth provides life and sustenance. Find out more at earthday.org

24th April – World Tai Chi and Qigong Day

Photo by Monica Leonardi on Unsplash

Tai chi is a form of exercise that began as a Chinese tradition. It’s based on martial arts and involves slow movements and deep breaths. Tai chi has both emotional and physical benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood and better sleep. Join a class or event on World Tai Chi and Qigong Day. Visit www.worldtaichiday.org to find an event near you. Use #WorldTaiChiDay to share on social media.

Watch: The Happiness Advantage

WATCH THIS: The Happiness Advantage
Shawn Anchor’s wonderfully entertaining Ted Talk linking positive brains to performance.

Featured WoW Activity

The Balloon Challenge

Photo by Alaric Sim on Unsplash

Physical activity is not just good for the body its good for the mind too, just 30 minutes of activity a day can improve your physical and mental health. The aim of the balloon challenge is to get people active, moving and connecting in a fun and interactive way. Great for parents to try with their children. Click this link to download the instructions, and don’t forget to use biodegradable balloons and care for our environment.

Great Articles and Websites

Watch this fun, inspiring video of the dance craze sweeping the world since the pandemic. Then maybe try it out for yourself! After doing that, you might feel like a nap! Check out Thea O’Connor’s great science-backed website on the power of napping and try her free, easy 5 day napping course

See how Earth looks like a living creature in this amazing NASA video

World Happiness Report
This CNN article about the latest World Happiness Report makes good reading. The report puts the spotlight on the effects of COVID 19 and how people around the world have fared.

The World Economic Forum
A great site for the bigger picture and innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing society from inequality to global warming.

The Greater Good Science Centre
One of our favourite wellbeing sites from Berkeley University with great articles, podcasts and videos.

Healthline
Lots of evidence-based articles about physical and mental health.

I’m FREE!

Please feel free to use all or parts of this newsletter for your websites, blog, social media, newsletter or other communications to inspire your group members

Certain links in this newsletter lead to websites which are not under the control of Implemental Worldwide CIC.. Implemental Worldwide CIC has no control over and accepts no liability in respect of materials, products or services available on any website which is not under the control of Implemental Worldwide CIC. Any opinions expressed in these external links and materials do not necessarily reflect the view of Implemental Worldwide CIC. Some of these links may request additional information and it is at your sole discretion as to if you wish to provide this. Any advertisements or promotional material contained in the links to websites and other materials, are not endorsed by Implemental Worldwide CIC and Implemental Worldwide CIC makes no commercial gains through these links.