To ensure you thrive in this time of crisis, it is most important to invest in your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing on a daily basis. Here are 6 top tips to support your wellbeing:
1 CONNECT – connection is vital to supporting your mental wellbeing. Ensure you connect daily with your family, friends, teams and colleagues via video calls (e.g. WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype), phone or email. Schedule chats into your day.
2 KEEP ACTIVE – regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, plus it make you feel good. Take a daily walk/run/bike ride. If staying indoors, there are plenty of workouts on YouTube e.g. PE with Joe. Keep moving around during the day and take regular breaks from sitting down at your laptop.
3 SET DAILY LIMITS – if you are constantly worrying and feeling overwhelmed, set “worry time” to go through your concerns each day. Allow yourself to watch the news once a day to keep informed – that is enough. Tune out of social media and any negative conversations as this won’t serve you.
4 TAKE NOTICE – be mindful of your thoughts and observe if they are negative. You are the controller of your mind and master of your thoughts. Look for all the good and positive things around you. The sun is shining and the daffodils are out. Take a moment to sit and just be. Live in the present moment and with an attitude of gratitude. At the end of each day write down 3 things you are grateful for to cultivate a positive mindset.
5 LEARN - use this time as an opportunity to learn a new skill. Rediscover an old interest. Do an online course. Read a book. Listen to a podcast. Be curious and seek out new opportunities to stimulate the brain.
6 GIVE – say thanks, pay a compliment, be kind, look out for your neighbours and anyone who is vulnerable in your community. Acts of kindness increases life satisfaction and happiness.