NEF was commissioned by the Government’s Foresight project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing to develop a set of evidence-based actions to improve personal wellbeing. In this report, NEF presents the evidence and rationale between each of the actions, drawing on a wealth of psychological and economic literature.

The 2008 Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project aims to analyse the most important drivers of mental capital and wellbeing to develop a long-term vision for maximising mental capital and wellbeing in the UK for the benefits of society and the individual.

The concept of wellbeing comprises two main elements: feeling good and functioning well. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life. Equally important for wellbeing is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of wellbeing.

The report presents a set of five key messages synthesized from a broad evidence base around social relationships, physical activity, awareness, learning and giving in their importance to wellbeing.
In order to effectively communicate the main influencers of well-being, the messages have been organised into five key actions, each offering examples of more specific behaviours that enhance well-being. The report then discusses potential approaches to disseminating these messages throughout the public and strategies that can be used to encourage people to take greater notice of how their daily habits and actions influence their sense of wellbeing.

Aked, J., Marks, N., Cordon, C. & Thompson, S. (2008). Five Ways to Wellbeing: A report presented to the Foresight Project on communicating the evidence base for improving people’s well-being. London: New Economics Foundation.