Your Health and Wellbeing

With such an overwhelming amount of information being presented, dissected and discussed, it’s natural for us to feel a sense of unease or anxiety. At this time, it’s just as important to consider our mental health and wellbeing as it is with our physical health.

Steps to help you:

There are lots of things outside our control. Let’s remember to breathe and focus on what really matters so we can respond constructively
Avoid watching, reading or listening to news all day everyday particularly if it causes you to feel anxious or distressed. Seek information mainly to take practical steps.
We’re all in this together, even when we’re forced apart. Let’s stay connected and reach out to help others who may be in need. Maintain your social networks via email, social media, video calls or telephone.
Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food.
Keep things in perspective. The experts across the world are working to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected.
Financial Wellbeing- click here to find out ways to look after your financial wellbeing during this time https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/coronavirus-and-your-money

Working from Home?

As many people are starting to work from home, here is a guide to help support you in maintaining your wellbeing while working from home and keeping your spirits up.

Set aside a specific place to work where you will be undisturbed. While it may feel nice to prop your laptop on your knees and work from the sofa or even bed this is not a great idea.

Get dressed for work. We tend to associate certain styles as being work and others as being home so, dressing for work helps to switch our heads from home to work, improves your state of mind and psychologically prepare you to start work.

Establish Boundaries- Set and stick to your normal working hours. Be ready to start your day at the same time as you would normally arrive in your office or workplace, and finish your day at the same time. It is also important to stick to a routine out of working hours and this includes going to bed the same time you would if you had to into your workplace. This will ensure you get enough sleep and help you wake up at your usual time.

Plan your day and draft To Do Lists

Take your lunch at the same time as you normally do and take it away from your work area. This helps to ensure our mindset is in the right place to work effectively.

Take regular breaks. It's good to have a routine when you're working from home, but work shouldn't become monotonous. It's important to stand up, stretch, move around and even go for a short walk to take a break from your work and your screen.

Pick up the phone- If you're working from home, the chances are you'll be alone, so you won't get distracted by colleagues' conversations and other office noise. Make some time to pick up the phone and have a real conversation, rather than relying on email and instant messaging.

At the end of a working day, it's best to switch off your computer and tidy away papers and other items. Space allowing, set aside a specific, separate area in your home where you can set yourself up - ideally with a properly adjusted desk and chair, similar to your workplace.

Get out and about (if you're not self-isolating) Working from home shouldn't mean you stay cooped up indoors all day. Go sit in your garden, or go a walk, ensuring that you are in keeping with the Social distancing guidelines.

Are you maybe juggling working from home and other caring and/or home schooling responsibilities? Remember to plan your day. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself at any one time. Remember…..You can do this!!!