Five Ways to Wellbeing

Here at Midcounties, we want to support our Colleagues wellbeing, and this includes their mental health. We know that for some of us, talking about our mental health can be an uncomfortable chat. However, with research suggesting that 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health issue every year and that 17% of us are living with a serious mental health concern – it’s time we started talking more about how we’re feeling.

 

With the New Year well underway, the Mind charity, who are a dedicated mental health charity, has released their five ways to wellbeing list below, so have a read!

 

Connect

There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

It’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.

With this in mind, try to do something different today and make a connection.

• Talk to someone instead of sending an email
• Speak to someone new
• Ask how someone’s weekend was and really listen when they tell you
• Put five minutes aside to find out how someone really is
• Give colleagues a lift to work or share a journey home with them

 

Be active

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being.

Activity doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good - slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well as providing some level of exercise.

So, why not get physical today:

• Take the stairs, not the lift
• Go for a walk at lunchtime
• Walk into work – perhaps with a colleague – so you can ‘connect’ as well
• Organise a work sporting activity
• Have a kick-about in the local park
• Do some ‘easy exercise’, like stretching, before you leave for work in the morning
• Walk to someone’s desk instead of calling or emailing

 

Take Notice

Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.

Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help reaffirm your life priorities.

Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.

Take some time to enjoy the moment and the environment around you. Here are a few ideas:

• Have a ‘clear the clutter’ day
• Take notice of how your colleagues are feeling or acting
• Take a different route on your journey to or from work
• Visit a new place for lunch

 

Learn

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

Setting personal goals has been strongly linked with higher levels of wellbeing.

Why not learn something new today?

• Find out something about your colleagues
• Sign up for a class
• Read the news of a book
• Do a crossword or Sudoku
• Research something you have always wondered about

 

Give

Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness is associated with an increase in wellbeing

So why not;

• Send someone a Thank you card
• Take part in some community volunteering
• Support a colleague with a task
• Support with local fundraising
• Make someone a cup of tea

 

We are here to assist!

If you feel that you need to speak to someone about any of the topics discussed above, you can contact a list of options:

-        Our dedicated EAP helpline here

-        HR Advice Line - 0845 099 6000

-        Speak in Confidence here

 

At Midcounties we are always here to help and support our Colleagues wellbeing.