Blog Archives - UK Youth

Celebrating the diversity of wellbeing during World Wellbeing Week

Wellbeing isn’t a single image, feeling, or activity. It’s not yoga mats and green smoothies for everyone (though it might be for some). At UK Youth, we know that wellbeing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s deeply personal, often unexpected, and always worth protecting.

As we mark World Wellbeing Week, we’re celebrating the many different ways young people support their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. For some, it’s prayer and quiet reflection. For others, it’s laughter with friends, late-night gaming, or long walks with music blasting through their headphones. And that’s the point—this is what wellbeing looks like.

There’s no right way to look after yourself

Too often, wellbeing is sold to young people as a product—a perfect lifestyle to achieve. But in reality, wellbeing is about finding what works for you. It’s about building routines, relationships, and spaces that help you feel safe, seen, and supported.

At UK Youth, we work with a nationwide network of grassroots youth organisations that do exactly that—help young people build a foundation of wellbeing on their own terms. Through creativity, connection, and community, our programmes give young people space to discover what wellbeing means to them.

Whether it’s through our Money Champions programme helping young people reduce stress through financial confidence, or our Young Changemakers network making sure youth voice is central to mental health decisions—our focus stays the same: support that fits real lives.

10 ways wellbeing can show up (that you might not expect)

Here are 10 real ways young people across the UK told us they support their wellbeing:

Gaming – online worlds can be a space to unwind, connect, and reset.
Walking solo – clearing your head with movement and fresh air.
Journaling – writing it down to work it out.
Praying or meditating – connecting to something bigger.
Hanging with friends – laughter, support, and community.
Listening to music – letting lyrics say what you can’t.
Creating art – expressing emotions when words fall short.
Cooking a simple meal – feeling grounded through food.
Volunteering – doing something that matters to you and others.
Saying no – protecting your peace by setting boundaries.

What does wellbeing look like for you?

This week, we’re asking young people across the UK to share their version of wellbeing. No pressure, no performance—just real life.

Want to see more of how UK Youth is supporting diverse wellbeing through youth-led programmes, safe spaces, and creative learning? Check out our work here.

Let’s redefine wellbeing—one story, one moment, one young person at a time.