Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) England created a clever tool to help people better understand their self-care needs and identify simple areas for improvement. The tool was based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing developed by the New Economics Foundation and endorsed by the UK Government:

Connect… with the people around you, family, friends, colleauges, neighbours.
Be Active… go for a walk, step outside, discover a physical activity to suit you.
Take Notice… be curious, savour a moment, be aware of the world around you.
Keep Learning… try something new, rediscover an old interest, set a challenge.
Give… do something for a friend, a stranger, join a community group, volunteer.

I have adapted the MHFA England’s self-care tool to create a short quiz to help see how you might improve good feelings and your wellbeing day to day.

Read the guide to the wellbeing quiz:

For each question, choose a letter of the answer that best describes your current feelings or preferences (A, B, C, D, or E) – there is no right or wrong answer.
Once you have completed the questions, count how many of each letter you have selected. The letter you chose the most is your result (i.e. mostly answer A).
Take a look at the tips associated with your result.

Wellbeing Quiz

1. Which of the following best describes your situation at present?

Looking after others Working online or job hunting Balancing multiple responsibilities Working outside of an office environment Engaging in hobbies

2. How do you want your wellness activity to help you feel?

Supported Energised Well-rested Motivated Engaged

3. What have you been struggling with lately?

Feeling lonely Lacking excitement Feeling overwhelmed Low self-esteem Lacking a sense of purpose

4. How do you like spending your spare time at the moment?

Making people smile or laugh Improving your physical health Doing very little Being creative Making a positive difference

5. What activity do you enjoy the least?

Reading about social issues Writing notes or observations Going to group events or gatherings Mindfulness or breathing exercises Competitive or challenging sports

6. Who have you preferred spending your time with recently?

People you know Yourself, mostly outside Yourself, mostly at home Podcast/TV/book characters New people

7. Which activity would you prefer to try or do again?

Present or speak to a group Swim in the sea Travel or visit somewhere alone Visit an immersive art exhibition Stand up for a cause

If you answered mostly A: Connect – consider how you might connect with others, in whatever way you are comfortable.

If you answered mostly B: Get active – think out how even small levels of physical activity can help you sleep better and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

If you answered mostly C: Take notice – how might you take notice of your environment and acknowledging your feelings in that moment.

If you answered mostly D: Learn – how might learning, developing and often setting goals boost your self-esteem.

If you answered mostly E: Give – consider how taking part in community life or helping others could help you to feel connected and part of positive change.

I learnt from my answers I’d like to Take notice, to reengage with the local environment. It reminded me of the 50,000 tiny figures sculpture “Grass Roots Square” I found in a quiet street in the centre of Oslo a few years ago. What answers did you discover?

What next?

You can take the quiz multiple times to see if your needs and activity suggestions change or evolve. If you would like a free discovery call about how to improve your welleiing, do get in touch, we’re here to listen and support.

Author: Maria Callow, founder of alexandrapatrick, marketing consultant, accredited coach.

Five Ways to Wellbeing Quiz

Wellbeing Quiz

Answers

What next?