Five Ways To Wellbeing
Qigong in the winter sunshine
Integrating Five Ways to Well-being with Tai Chi and Qigong
Introduction to the Five Ways to Wellbeing
The Five Ways to Wellbeing framework originated from research conducted by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) in 2008. Commissioned by the UK government's Foresight project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing, NEF reviewed evidence from across the world to identify actions that promote wellbeing.
The resulting Five Ways - Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give - represent a set of simple, evidence-based actions that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives to improve their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Since its inception, this framework has gained widespread recognition and application across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and community development.
As a health professional, you could introduce your patients' to the Five Ways to Well-being as complement to their tai chi and qigong practice. This approach may help your patients cultivate a more positive outlook and maximise their life experiences.
You like to explore the following ideas when integrating these concepts into your patient care:
1. Connect
Recommend group tai chi classes to foster social connections
Teach partner exercises like 'listening hands' to develop interpersonal awareness
Encourage patients to share their tai chi journey with friends or family
2. Be Active
Promote tai chi as a gentle, low-impact exercise suitable for various fitness levels
Emphasise how regular practice improves balance, flexibility, and strength
Help patients incorporate tai chi into their daily routine for consistent physical activity
Tai Chi in Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley
3. Take Notice
Guide patients in tai chi's mindfulness and present-moment awareness techniques
Instruct patients to visualise moving like water or in water, noting the differences in their movements
Teach patients to observe their body's sensations before, during, and after tai chi
When appropriate, suggest practising outdoors in a quiet, safe place, focusing on surroundings
4. Keep Learning
Highlight tai chi's potential for lifelong learning to keep patients engaged
Introduce different styles or forms to challenge patients as they progress
Offer resources on the philosophical aspects of tai chi for interested patients
Qigong in Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley
5. Give
In group sessions, encourage patients to welcome newcomers
Create opportunities for more experienced patients to help demonstrate a movement or sequence
Promote active listening skills through tai chi partner exercises
Suggest ways patients might use their tai chi skills in their community
Implementing in Your Practice
Assess each patient's needs and tailor the Five Ways approach accordingly
Integrate tai chi principles into other treatments or exercises you prescribe
Use tai chi as a starting point to discuss broader wellbeing concepts with patients
Monitor and record patients' progress in each of the Five Ways areas
Collaborate with tai chi instructors or other health professionals to create a holistic care plan
By incorporating these Five Ways to Well-being into your patients' tai chi and qigong practice, you can offer a comprehensive approach to their physical and mental health.
This integration may lead to improved patient outcomes and a more rewarding therapeutic experience for both you and your patients.
Reference
Thompson, S., & Aked, J. (2011). Five Ways to Wellbeing New applications, new ways of thinking. New Economics Foundation. https://neweconomics.org/uploads/files/d80eba95560c09605d_uzm6b1n6a.pdf
