Wellbeing is… looking after yourself this winter, especially if you’re struggling.
This winter, we will highlight the range of ways people can get help early and take steps towards improving their mental wellbeing.
Our very own consultant clinical psychologist, Dr Vicky Jervis, was previously redeployed to neighbouring NHS hospitals during the Covid-19 pandemic to offer wellbeing support to her colleagues across the region.
We asked her some of the steps we can take to improve our wellbeing this winter:
1. Get moving
Exercise has been proven to have a positive impact on mood, mental alertness and reduce stress. Aim to spend a few minutes outside each day, even if it’s cloudy and cold, your body and mind will thank you for it. Just ten minutes a day is enough to make a difference. And it doesn’t have to be long periods on a treadmill either – walks, dancing, throwing a frisbee or even just taking the stairs counts.
2. Get talking
It’s not always easy to talk about how you are feeling, particularly if you have been brought up to do the opposite. But opening up to someone not only helps relieve the distress but can also help mental health problems from developing further down the line.
3. Change is as good as a rest
Take a break! It could be as short as five minutes to go outside and take a breath, a half hour workout in your front room or a whole day to yourself. It’s about the quality time invested in yourself. Guilt-free!
4. Count your blessings (achievements, strengths…)
Self-esteem is the secret weapon of wellbeing. Make a list of your strengths and mindfully think about these. It’s not easy or comfortable for most people… but it’s important we recognise our strengths and achievements (big or small). Try creating a gratitude journal or jar so that you can look back at things you have achieved over the year.
5. Plan to your strengths… and start building new ones!
Enjoyment and a sense of achievement can have a powerful impact on mood and well-being. Make the time for activities you love and can lose yourself in, particularly at times of stress. Equally, learning and developing new skills can help boost our self-esteem, give us a sense of hope and purpose, and boost our resilience.
6. Connect
As a social species, relationships and social connections are central to our mental health. Connecting with others through speaking or facial expressions can help to reduce feelings of loneliness, and all adds up to building a sense of connection. Don’t forget, there are many video calling services out there now, which you can use to connect with others.
7. Invest in others
Helping others can make us feel good, so it makes sense that finding a way to help someone can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. People who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their wellbeing and happiness. Lifting yourself out of your own headspace and thinking about others is also a powerful way of combatting stress and negative thought patterns. Try volunteering or doing something for a good cause, or simply carry out one small act of kindness.
In the meantime, find out the mental health support available to you.