Five ways doing DofE can support your wellbeing
Taking steps to support our mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical wellbeing. We know from listening to participants and Award holders that doing your DofE can have a hugely positive impact on your mental wellbeing.
Here are five ways to support your mental wellbeing that count towards your DofE.
1. Get moving
It’s well known that exercise and movement are great for your mental wellbeing as well as your physical wellbeing. According to The Mental Health Foundation, you can boost your mental health by walking briskly for just 10 minutes! There’s nothing wrong with starting small, as regular physical activity increases self-esteem, reduces stress, and improves quality of life.
Working towards your Physical section is a great way to support your mental wellbeing. Why not try out bhangra dancing or skateboarding?
2. Spend time outdoors
Spending time outside is a great way to support your mental wellbeing This doesn’t have to mean a camping trip or journey across the country – though, of course, that can be pretty great. Even walking down a street lined with trees, or going to your local park can give you a boost.
There are lots of ways to do your DofE expedition, including staying local or even on your Centre’s grounds. Depending on what you’ve chosen for your other sections, you might be surrounded by nature for everything you do towards your DofE.
Want to be outside more for your DofE? Maybe you could litter pick for your Volunteering section, or choose an outdoor activity for Physical rather than going to a gym.
3. Connect with other people
Feeling lonely or isolated can have a negative impact on your mental wellbeing. Some people also struggle to make connections with new people.
Many DofE participants say that doing their DofE helped them connect with new people and feel more confident making connections. That can be through teamwork during your expedition or Gold residential, making new friends while learning a new skill or doing a physical activity, or connecting with your wider community through volunteering. Doing your DofE is full of possibilities to prevent isolation and connect with new people.
4. Try something new
If we keep doing the same activities all the time, we can get bored, stunt our personal growth, and feel a bit down in general. In all four – or five at Gold – sections of your DofE, you can do something a bit different, push yourself out your comfort zone, and feel more energised.
If you’re considering what to do for your next section, why not look outside of the box and choose something you’ve never even thought of before?
5. Set personal goals
Hitting your goals and accomplishing something challenging can be amazingly positive for your self-esteem, confidence and mental wellbeing.
DofE is all about personal achievement. You set your goals for your activities; you decide your DofE programme. Completing any of your sections is a major accomplishment and something you should be very proud of. To celebrate your achievement, you can download your certificates from your eDofE account.
Useful resources
Having good mental wellbeing is a continuous process that all of us need to work on, but for some people it’s harder than others. This might be because of genetic factors, your environment, or many other reasons. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, there are specialist mental health organisations out there to help.
For more support, please visit:
