Spring has long been associated with fresh starts. As the days grow longer and the weather begins to shift, many of us naturally feel the urge to reset routines, set new goals and approach the months ahead with renewed energy.
But when it comes to mental health, meaningful change rarely comes from dramatic lifestyle overhauls. More often, it’s the small, consistent habits we build into our daily lives that make the biggest difference.
At The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation, we often talk about the importance of Banana Behaviours, our simple framework that highlights five evidence-based actions that support positive wellbeing.
These behaviours are: Move, Focus, Discover, Communicate and Help.
Each of these behaviours play an important role in maintaining good mental health.
- Movement supports our mood and emotional regulation
- Focused activities such as mindfulness or quiet reflection help calm the nervous system
- Discovering something new can build confidence and motivation
- Meaningful communication strengthens our sense of connection
- Helping others often provides a powerful sense of purpose
Individually, these habits may seem small. But over time, their impact can be significant.
People often think wellbeing requires a complete life reset. In reality, the most sustainable improvements come from small, repeatable behaviours. Something as simple as a short walk, a conversation with a colleague or learning something new can have a real impact when it becomes part of your routine.
Alongside these positive habits, we also recognise what we call Doughnuts. These are the behaviours we often turn to when life becomes stressful. Things like excessive scrolling, withdrawing from others or avoiding difficult conversations. While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional doughnut, problems arise when they begin to replace the habits that support our wellbeing.
For workplaces, this is an important conversation. Encouraging environments where people feel able to connect, take breaks, support one another and prioritise their wellbeing can have a meaningful impact on both individuals and teams.
Spring offers a natural moment to pause and refl ect on the habits that shape our wellbeing. Rather than chasing dramatic change, focusing on small positive actions, and choosing more bananas than doughnuts, can help us move into the season feeling more balanced, connected and resilient.
MasterTasker LIVE 2026
We have been working hard behind the scenes to bring a brand-new style of event to Milton Keynes.
MasterTasker is a play on the popular show, Taskmaster – where contestants battle it out to be the best at the most ridiculous tasks. With four well-known local businesspeople, three pre-fi lmed tasks and one live task to finish the night – plus food and drink of course – it’s a corporate fundraising event like we’ve never seen before in Milton Keynes.
Master Tasker is about more than just fundraising. It’s about bringing people together to support mental health in a practical, human way. Every task completed, ticket sold and sponsorship taken helps us provide fast, life changing support to people who need it when it matters most.
MasterTasker will take place on Thursday April 23, from 6pm at MK Gallery.
To book tickets for MasterTasker or to find out more email hello@arthurellismhs.com or visit The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation website.
