How many of us can say we haven't at one time or another felt stressed, overwhelmed or sad. We know that living a healthy lifestyle with good diet and exercise is the key to a healthy body but what steps can we take to ensure we maintain a healthy mind?
The New Economics Foundation have researched and developed five key steps towards wellbeing and we've taken a look at each of these with tips on how you can achieve each one with the help of the TraffordCity family.
Connect
It's very easy to think that by staying in touch on social media we're connecting with other people. However, evidence suggests that feeling close to and connecting with other people is a fundamental human need - and for that we need to put down the device and get together in real life!
• Arrange to meet a friend or family member for shopping trip together instead of going it alone. Stop off for a coffee and a chat while you're there.
• Reconnect and join a group of friends for a fun get together.
• Take time to talk to that person serving you in a shop or restaurant.
Be active
Get off that couch! It doesn't matter whether you decide to go for it in the gym, take up a new sport or simply walk or cycle, regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.
• Try out one of the many sports activities available at Traffordcity including golf, skydiving, skiing, football and state of the art gyms.
• Lace up your trainers and try the TraffordCity 3k or 5k running routes.
• Cycle to TraffordCity along the Bridgwater Way canal route.
Take notice
Something we might call 'mindfulness' - taking the time to take notice of what's happening in the present moment can positively change the way you feel. Think about your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.
• Next time you visit The Trafford Centre take time to look at the design of the Centre, there are some amazing facts about its design and some one million year old fossils if you take the time to find them!
• Take a woodland walk. Did you know that Wilderspool Woods is home to an array of wildlife, trees and flowers that visitors can enjoy anytime?
• Take a stroll along the canal on Bridgewater Way - it's just steps from The Trafford Centre via Barton Square.
• RHS Garden Bridgewater is the fifth RHS garden and one of the largest gardening projects undertaken in Europe in recent years and when it opens on 18 May will be easily accessible from TraffordCity along the Bridgewater Way canal towpath. The transformation of this 154-acre green space will enrich the lives of local communities and their environment for the future. Find out more.
Keep learning
Whether that's new skills or knowledge, being open to learning enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.
• Learn a new sport like skiing, skydiving or golf. Plus you'll benefit from being active and connecting with other people!
• Make new discoveries and develop new interests at SEA LIFE or LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
Give
Research shows that people who have a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy. Whether that's raising money for charity or simply helping a friend or relative, acts of kindness are proven to increase our wellbeing.
• Organise a fundraising activity - there are lots of virtual challenges you can take up to help support your favourite charity.
• Treat a relative or friend to a trip to TraffordCity.
• Support one of the Trafford Centre's charities by making a wish as you toss a coin into the Dolphin Fountains. And look out for free fundraising events that happen throughout the year like the annual Christmas panto.
