This blog post is about what drives me (and everyone?) most in life – happiness.

I have been on a happiness hunt for the last 3 years and here’s what really stuck – ‘The 5 Ways to Wellbeing’. Extensive research compiled by the New Economics Foundation, in response to a commission by the government’s Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing, shows that there are 5 evidence-based actions, that if practiced regularly, can improve personal wellbeing. Bit of a mouthful that, but really quite simple. So what are these actions?

1. Connect…with the people around you.

2. Be Active…step outside…exercise.

3. Take Notice…catch sight of the beautiful…savour the moment.

4. Keep Learning…try something new…rediscover an old interest.

5. Give…do something nice for a friend, or a stranger…thank someone.

And here’s the thing – I personally have put these actions into practice daily and am living proof that they work. My happiness quotient has risen not just a little but a whole lot.

And then it hit me.

Wouldn’t it be great if young children were motivated by ideas of happiness? How can we make these actions for wellbeing relevant, but most importantly, fun for children to learn? Enter the INSIDE OUT team who created:

The 5 Keys to Happiness:

1. Share More

2. Move Outside

3. Look Inside

4. Be Curious

5. Be Kind

And these will be a fun part of our INSIDE OUT days at Checkendon.