Mental Health Awareness Week: Our Wellbeing Tips

  11 May, 2021      CSR
Mental Health Awareness Week: Our Wellbeing Tips

Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week in May, the Novus Mental Health First Aiders will be sharing their top wellbeing tips. Be sure to check back each day for a new one.

Number 1: Notice How Full Your “Stress Container” is – Mental Health First Aider Kevin Rhone

This is an essential part of keeping yourself well. We need to be able to recognise when things are building up to a critical level so we can employ some coping mechanisms.

All too often we don’t pay enough attention to ourselves. The analogy of a “stress bucket” is also good to share with colleagues – ask them what is in theirs – it’s a good way of finding out information you might be unaware of.

kevin rhone

Number 2: Ease Back Into Social Situations – Mental Health First Aider Kevin Hunt

Since your social calendar has been probably been blank for the last few months, filling it back up can be exciting — but it can also cause anxiety.

People who are experiencing social anxiety can feel like they are being judged when they are with other people and in social situations.

Just because we’re allowed to mingle a little more indoors from 17th May, it doesn’t mean that you have to arrange meetings with people and go full-steam-ahead with socialising again.

All of us will need to assess situations before they happen and decide if it is the right thing for us at that time.

kevin hunt mhfa

Maybe start by spending time with people who are in your inner circle as these are the people who you feel the most comfortable with and who you can trust.

It is okay to say no to a social gathering if you feel uncomfortable with it.


Number 3: Stay Active – Mental Health First Aider Liberty Dane

Engaging in regular physical activity is known to go hand-in-hand with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Not everyone needs to be a fitness fanatic to boost your wellness through activity. Simply step outside, exercise your green fingers or organise a games night and get moving.

You could go for a walk or run, cycle or dance (just not at a wedding for the time-being!).

liberty dane

Exercise releases hormones that make you feel good.

Most importantly, being active is about discovering a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.


Number 4: A Healthy Work-Life Balance – Mental Health First Aider Angela Ford

Many of us are still working from home for either all, most, or some of the week.

Work and home life can become intertwined at times, but it is important that the two are kept separate to prevent issues such as mental fatigue and burnout.

My suggestions for maintaining a healthy balance are:

  • Set a time in the morning when you will start work and a time in the evening when you will switch off
  • Step away from your computer on lunch breaks and in the evening
  • Do not check emails at the weekend. Put your computer away and mute your work phone notifications.
  • Ask your family to ‘tell you off’ if they catch you checking work emails or working.

Number 5: Talk About Your Feelings – Mental Health First Aider Sue Pringle

It is really important that you pay attention to what you’re feeling.

There are so many helpful resources out there that give you practical tips and techniques to help you look after your emotional health.

Talking about how you’re feeling can help put things into perspective and may help you feel more positive about the future.

This could be a close friend or family member but if you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, you are never alone. Samaritans are an excellent resource and are available 24/7 and 365 days a year. Visit their website to find out how to get in touch.


Thank You For Reading

We would like to take the time to thank you for reading this article and hope that you found the tips useful.

Alongside the Samaritans, other helpful resources are available at Rethink, Mind, and local NHS support services.

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