Introduction

As a Person-Centred Counsellor, I see first-hand people’s search for answers to a single question: ‘how can I feel happier or better than I do now?’ In an age where success and happiness has become equated with ambition, money and materialism, this question has become more relevant than ever. As a society, we’re bombarded with messaging that such things can make you happier, but is this really the case and are we simply striving for the wrong things?

After discovering The Little Book of Lykke by Meik Wiking, the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, it became increasingly apparent to me that societal values and expectations are often at odds with, what he argues, makes people and societies happier.

Therefore, over the coming weeks, the Live Well Learn Well Blog is going to explore the 6 things that Wiking argues contributes to a greater sense of wellbeing and satisfaction: Health, Money, Freedom, Togetherness, Trust and kindness. We hope that, through reading these blog posts, you’re encouraged to make small lifestyle changes that can have a big impact.

Health

Wike identifies health as integral to our overall happiness levels. He highlights the reciprocal relationship between physical health and mental health. Don’t worry, I’m not about to provide multiple diet plans and start banging on about ultra processed foods, there’s enough of that around already. In fact, Wike highlights that the Danes, often known as the world’s happiest people, don’t have the best diet, yet their obesity levels are much lower than the UK and the USA. Wiking states ‘Danes balance cinnamon swirls with physical activity… Danes dislike the gym as much as everyone else, so how do they get so much physical activity?’

Indeed, Wiking calls it the ‘two-wheeled take over’ in Denmark with cycling being one of the most popular forms of transport, e.g. there are five times as many bikes than cars in Denmark! Wike also identifies how walking is integrated into the Danish lifestyle, contributing to better health and happiness outcomes for the population.

Putting the advice into practice

So, like many people, you may be sitting here thinking: ‘I’m a busy university student with multiple other commitments, how can I fit this into my already demanding schedule?’ Here’s some suggestions on how to integrate it into your daily routine, rather than adding something else to your to-do list:

• Think about your commute to university – could you walk or cycle to your lecture instead of taking the bus or driving? If this isn’t possible, think about how you spend your lunch break. Could you go for a quick lap of campus with your peers or agree to do 10 minutes of stretching together after class?
• Socialising at university can often centre around food and drink, but can you introduce some more movement to your social activities? There are loads of beautiful walks on your doorstep (see our campus greenspaces blog posts) if you’re a campus-based learner, and if you’re a distance learner, why not look up some easy walking routes near you.
• Take the stairs over the lift or escalator.
• When studying at a desk, commit to moving your body every 20 minutes or so. This can simply be standing up, having a stretch, or walking to go to the bathroom.

Wiking suggests that by committing to some simple lifestyle changes, the impact on overall health and happiness can be significant.

We’re here to help you get started

With University Mental Health Day approaching, we challenge you to introduce more physical activity into your daily routine.

references

Meik Wiking (2017). The little book of lykke : the Danish search for the world’s happiest people. London: Penguin Life.

By Tessa, Mental Health & Wellbeing Manager