How a simple act of kindness can go a long way
Our fifth and final way is give. This way is all about giving what you can, whether it is your time or simply a random act of kindness.
A great way of doing this is taking part in volunteer or fundraising initiatives; this is also a great way to give back to your local community. There are many volunteering opportunities in Northamptonshire, for example with Voluntary impact Northamptonshire or event volunteering with your local NHS.
Giving isn’t just about donations or fundraising. It can also include your time and support with volunteering, helping someone with their shopping or it can be as small as holding the door for someone. Saying thank you can really go a long way too… and that doesn’t take much at all, so why not thank someone for their acts of kindness today?
If you have any further ideas please share them with us using the hashtag #mywellbeingpledge – we would love to hear them!
Kathryn shares what how she ‘gives’ her time and the impact it has on her wellbeing:
“The best thing about parkrun is that when you are injured, you can still take part. As it is run entirely by volunteers, there are always roles to fill every week, which enable the event to take place.
“The volunteering role I enjoy the most is time-keeping, it requires a lot of concentration and is great as you see every participant finish, from the first to the last. Giving back to parkrun is rewarding as you see others progressing and doing well, and you are also part of a team who take their role in making parkrun happen, really seriously, without them, there would be no event.
“Parkrun is something I look forward to most weekends, I feel part of a community that has no barriers. Everyone is welcome, there are babies being pushed around in buggies and there are runners in their 80s, runners with dogs, children, teenagers, walkers, workplaces, blind runners, wheelchair racers, you name it, parkrun welcomes it.
“Every week, participants are celebrated for achieving milestones, 50, 100, 250 runs or 25 volunteering opportunities for example. Visiting runners are celebrated from other parts of the UK/world and anyone achieving a personal best time or milestone gets to ring a bell in celebration! Read Kathryn’s full story here.”
If you would like to view other ideas on ways to give, visit our website: www.mypledge.me.uk
So that’s it! The five ways which you can do in your day to day life to help keep your mind healthy.
Hopefully along the way you have thought of something already that you can do to make a difference, however big or small it is. So share it with us and make your pledge today!
You can do this online, where you will be able to see other pledges. Or like we said, these suggestions may not be right for you, so please do share your ideas too and join in the conversation by using #mywellbeingpledge.