Christchurch residents are being invited to increase their wellbeing through a new game.

Ciaran Fox, of the Mental Health Foundation, said the Wellbeing Game was a world first and was based on the research of more than 400 scientists around the world.

'It showed there are five simple actions you can incorporate into your everyday life that actually improve your health and wellbeing.'

The "five winning ways" were connecting, taking notice, giving, keep learning and being active.

'Many of the things we enjoy already are good for us, but we are often so busy that we don't always make time for them," Fox said.

Players would keep track of the amount of time they spent on each of the five actions and enter their results online. For example, going for a walk on your own could score you "be active" hours, while taking a friend would add "connect" hours. Trying a new route would add "keep learning" hours, paying attention to the sights, sounds and sensations during the walk would allow you to log "take notice" hours and taking a dog would achieve the "give" action.

Healthy Christchurch co- ordinator Michelle Whitaker said the game had been piloted in three places over the past year, and players had enjoyed becoming more mindful of their mental and physical wellbeing: 'Playing the game makes you more aware of what good things you are already doing, how easy it is to tweak your usual activities to get more out of them and encourages us to embrace new opportunities."

The game will run from October 8 to November 9. Visitthewellbeinggame.org.nz for more information.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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