A simple "five-a-day" programme of social and personal tasks can promote mental well being as well as physical fitness according to the research, compiled with the help of more than 400 scientists.

The Mental Capital and Wellbeing report, published by Foresight, part of the Government Office for Science, says people should try to connect with others, to be active, to take notice of their surroundings, to keep learning and to give to their neighbours and communities.

Foresight believes a small increase in levels of wellbeing can produce a large decrease in mental health problems, treatment of which costs up to £77billion a year in England alone.

The report's advice to "take notice" includes suggestions such as "catch sight of the beautiful" and "savour the moment, whether walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends". Examples of learning include mending a bike or trying to play a musical instrument.

It suggests an easy five-a-day approach, citing the success of the nutritional campaign to persuade Britons to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.

Find out more about the five ways you can stay sane!