Tips for improving your wellbeing

What is wellbeing?

Wellbeing is a broad term that describes how we feel and function in our daily lives. It goes beyond just physical health – it includes our mental, emotional, social, and even financial health. At its core, wellbeing is about feeling good, living with purpose, and having the resilience to cope with life’s challenges.

A person’s wellbeing is shaped by several areas:

• Physical wellbeing – having good health, energy, rest, and the ability to stay active.
• Emotional & mental wellbeing – feeling positive, managing stress, and having healthy coping strategies.
• Social wellbeing – building supportive relationships, connection, and a sense of belonging.
• Financial wellbeing – feeling secure and in control of your money, without unmanageable stress from debt.
• Workplace wellbeing – having purpose, balance, and a supportive environment at work.

The World Health Organization defines wellbeing as more than just the absence of illness; it’s about living a balanced, satisfying life where you can thrive.

In short: Wellbeing is the overall quality of your life – how healthy, connected, and fulfilled you feel – and how well you can handle life’s ups and downs.

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Boost your wellbeing

Looking after your wellbeing isn’t just about feeling good in the moment – it’s also about building resilience for the future. When we nurture our wellbeing, we’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges, and we may reduce the risk of problems that can affect both our mental and physical health.

Here are some of the most important ways you can improve and protect your wellbeing:

1. Get to know yourself

Wellbeing is personal – what boosts one person might not work for another. Take time to reflect on what makes you feel balanced and fulfilled.

• Notice the difference between times when you feel energised, motivated, and content compared to when you feel drained or low.
• Write down the activities, people, and environments that lift you up – and the things that weigh you down.
• Try keeping a mood diary to spot patterns. Apps like Daylio make this simple and can help you understand your emotional highs and lows.

The more you understand yourself, the easier it is to make positive changes.

2. Take part in meaningful activities

When we lose ourselves in something enjoyable, stress levels drop and our “happy hormones” increase. This is sometimes called being “in flow.”

Meaningful activities might include:

• Socialising with friends or family
• Gardening or spending time in nature
• Playing a sport or exercising
• Learning a new skill or hobby
• Volunteering and helping others

Ask yourself: What makes me feel most alive? Then, make space for more of it.

3. Make positive lifestyle choices

The basics really do matter. Even small lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference to how you feel day-to-day.

Focus on:

• Moving more: Regular physical activity boosts mood, energy, and overall health.
• Eating well: A balanced diet fuels your body and brain.
• Resting enough: Prioritise good-quality sleep and downtime.
• Self-care: Whether it’s reading, meditating, or taking a walk, give yourself permission to pause and recharge.

You don’t need to be perfect – small, consistent changes add up.

4. Manage your money wisely

Financial worries are one of the biggest sources of stress. Taking control of your money, even in small steps, can improve your sense of security and wellbeing.

• Create a realistic budget and track your spending.
• Plan ahead for short, medium, and long-term needs.
• If you’re struggling with debt, seek free, confidential advice early.

A clear money plan can reduce stress and give you confidence about the future.

5. Understand and express your emotions

Being aware of your feelings – and finding safe, healthy ways to express them – is key to wellbeing.

• Notice how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are linked.
• Try writing down the emotions you experience most often, and separate them into “helpful” and “unhelpful.”
• Talk to someone you trust about how you feel – whether that’s a friend, colleague, family member, or a trained professional.

The more often you experience and nurture positive emotions, the more resilient and balanced you’re likely to feel.

6. Focus on six areas of wellbeing

At Ben, we look at wellbeing across six key areas:

• MyHome – your living environment and stability
• MyMoney – financial security and planning
• MyNetwork – relationships and social connections
• MyLifestyle – healthy habits, rest, and routines
• MyEmotions – emotional awareness and resilience
• MySelf – self-belief, identity, and purpose

Together, these areas form the foundations of a healthier, happier life.

Wellbeing Tips & Support for Automotive Industry Workers | Ben

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Support from Ben

Remember – you don’t have to do this alone.

• Call our free and confidential helpline on 08081 311 333
• Chat with us online
  

Try SilverCloud, our free digital platform with self-guided programmes to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing (available to anyone working, or who has worked, in the automotive industry).

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Wellbeing isn’t one single thing – it’s the balance of your body, mind, emotions, and environment. By taking small, positive steps in these areas, you can build a stronger, healthier foundation for yourself now and in the future.

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Top 5 quick wins for wellbeing

1. Move your body – Even a 10‑minute walk, stretch, or short workout can boost mood and energy.
2. Connect with someone – Call a friend, chat with a colleague, or spend time with loved ones. Social connection strengthens emotional resilience.
3. Do one thing you enjoy – Whether it’s gardening, listening to music, or playing a game, make space for an activity that makes you feel good.
4. Pause and breathe – Take 2–5 minutes to breathe deeply, meditate, or ground yourself. It helps reduce stress and reset your mind.
5. Reflect on gratitude – Write down 1–3 things you’re thankful for each day. Focusing on positives can improve overall mood and wellbeing.