By Ryan Kisiel
Last updated at 8:37 AM on 22nd October 2008
Green fingers: Gardening is one of five activities that can make people feel better about themselves
Simple tasks such as playing a musical instrument, gardening and mending a bicycle every day could protect your mental health.
Scientists say the "five-a-day" activities can improve mental wellbeing in the same way eating five fruits or vegetables daily helps the body stay healthy.
People should try to be active, connect with others, take notice of their surroundings and keep learning.
The report by the Government thinktank Foresight was compiled by 400 international scientists who specialise in disciplines that vary from neuroscience to economics.
Felicia Huppert, professor of psychology at the University of Cambridge, who led part of the project, said: 'We found there are five categories of things that can make a profound difference to people's wellbeing. Each has evidence behind it.
'These actions are so simple that everyone should aim to do them daily, just as they are encouraged to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables.'
The five categories are: Connect with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours; be active with sports and hobbies such as gardening or dancing or just a daily stroll; be curious, noting the beauty of everyday moments as well as the unusual; learn something, for example fixing a bike or playing an instrument; and finally, giving to others you meet around you.
'The report has shown that if an individual is fulfilled in their work this positively affects wellbeing, this in turn will see reduced expenditure on the treatment of mental health problems.'
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