PEOPLE across Warwickshire are being urged to consider how happy they really are.
Daily stresses and concerns have been thrown into the spotlight as a report reveals one in five people in the county either never or rarely feel relaxed, while around one in ten people do not feel close to other people.
Over the next five weeks Public Health Warwickshire is asking the county’s residents to think about their wellbeing and to commit to doing something positive for their own good.
Research has shown that there are five ways to improve how people are feeling.
Whether it’s getting out and about, doing a good deed, or learning to do something new, the county’s residents are being asked to think about their own wellbeing and that of those around them.
And with a recent national study revealing only 14 per cent of people say they have a high level of wellbeing, Public Health Warwickshire hopes some of the suggestions in the coming weeks will be of use.
Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health in Warwickshire, said: “People who have a positive experience of their life usually feel happy, content, enjoy things, are interested in their surroundings and people and feel engaged or connected.
“Feeling positive about relationships, feeling in control of your life and having a sense of purpose will all improve wellbeing.”
Coun Bob Stevens, Warwickshire County Council health spokesman, said it was important not to be complacent
He added: “Our recent Living in Warwickshire survey revealed that while 75 per cent of people reported their overall health as good, the responses for mental wellbeing were a lot more mixed.
“For example, almost one in five people said they never or rarely felt relaxed. Meanwhile more than ten per cent of respondents said they never or rarely felt close to other people.”
The five weeks focusing on the Five Ways to Wellbeing in Warwickshire will build up to this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week which starts on May 12.
Visit http://publichealth.warwickshire.gov.uk/5ways/ for further details.
