Championing Mental Wellbeing: Strategies for a Fulfilling and Balanced Life
Mechelle Rowe
Executive Coach Empowering Career & Personal Growth: Elevate Your Success with Confidence and Clarity ILM7 Certified Executive & Personal Coach NHS Senior Manager Professional DMs only please
Wellbeing and Mental Health
What does wellbeing mean to you? The definition of wellbeing is’ the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy’.? I wonder how many of us are completely this and how many of us have to work at this every day? I try to be mindful about this, but sometimes I even miss the signs and ignore them.
When we ignore our wellness, this can impact on our mental health.? Wellness and Mental Health generally goes hand in hand.?
We all know that eating healthily and exercise are two factors that enhance our wellness.? When we are not well – and I know it’s the case with me – these are two areas that are dropped quite quickly.? That’s okay, for a short while – who doesn’t want to have a big bowl full of ice cream now and again??
Other factors which can impact your wellness are your emotional and psychological wellbeing, your social interactions and a sense of belonging, economics for example, money and sense of security and basic needs being met, as well as growing our own minds and experiences, intellectually.
That’s a lot to balance, so take one step at a time and don’t beat yourself up if not everything is aligned.
The Impact of Unprecedented Times
Covid has really raised the issue of mental health.? I know for our family, it impacted significantly, with my husband having anxiety and health issues and also his health not being fully understood by work.? His mum mental health with dementia also exacerbated with lack of social interaction.? Working from home impacted on my physical health of not moving around so much, especially with regards to my chronic pain.
How has all of this impacted on you and how do you deal with your own wellbeing since Covid? Have you had to have some time out just to get some balance back?
What Creates Wellness?
As I said before, I live with chronic pain.? I also support my family in their own wellbeing, which can sometimes impact on mine, but we are all in this together right?
So firstly, surround yourself with people who have your best interests at heart and who you trust.? You may not want to hear what they have to say, but if they say to you, you are not yourself, listen.
Take some time out for you
Be honest, how much time to you give to yourself?? Start now.? Have an evening of bubble baths, face masks and a glass of vino.
Book a massage or a facial, or even better, a spa day.? I have a weekly back massage for my chronic pain.? This is something I have done for quite a few years and it is now a bill that comes out every week – I would be lost without it and I no longer feel guilty about investing in my own wellbeing, this isn’t a treat, it’s for my health.
Be Mindful of Your Own Wellbeing
Do you find it easier to take care of others but not yourself? I do. It’s way easier!
However, if you put all your energy into everyone else, be careful of losing yourself. If you invest all of you into others, you can find you have no energy for you. Be mindful of this. You are allowed to put yourself first. I have to work on this constantly, because it’s easier to look after other people than myself.?
That being said, you can do something nice for someone else, with no expectation of getting anything back.? You feel good and so do they.
Eat Healthily
The odd naughty thing is not going to kill you, so enjoy those times too.? Fruit and veg is essential.? There are great books which help you eat healthily and not too much trouble to make meals.? I use Pinch of Nom and the Body Coach cookbooks.? Great little recipes, such as Chicken Satay, packed full of veg and very yummy.
Exercise
If you can’t go to the gym, go out for a walk.? Not all of us like the gym. Take your headphones and get some good yomping music on or just enjoy the nature around you.? You Tube also has lots of videos on Stretch Yoga or Pilates.?
Laugh
If you work, introduce a weekly half hour coffee morning and don’t talk about work. This is a really good way to be at one with your team mates and getting to know them a bit more.? This is really valuable to everyone in these virtual times of working from home.
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Sleep
I struggle with my sleep. However, I was introduced to Headspace and ‘invested’ in myself and signed up full time.? It has a range of different packages to support you, such as stress, pain, sleep. I use the sleep package regularly and even have a nice velvet eye mask with built in speakers – amazing! So, I can listen to this and not worry about my headphones dropping out when I fall asleep. My brother also records on You Tube Affirmations and Sleep Hypnosis.? Amazing!
I also invested in a weighted blanket – it’s like a big hug.? This really takes away any anxiety you are feeling in our body.? Not for everyone, but definitely one for me.
Contact your GP or Nurse Practitioner
Yes, I know, it seems sometimes impossible to get hold of them, but if you have it, complete the E-Consult.? They will be able to support you in signposting to various organisations who may be able to support you with both mental and physical health.
Talk
This is the biggest thing yet. Yes, you will be vulnerable, but isn’t that better than trying to deal with things on your own? Be brave and courageous and seek out a trusted friend or colleague.? Just talking about it can help and they might actually share their experiences with you.? The more we talk about our mental health, the more acceptable it will be.? When you ask ‘Are you ok?’ say it twice.? Most reactions to the first ‘Are you Ok?’ is fine.? When you ask it twice, it makes the other person stop.? The answer may be different.?
My husband actually joined a man’s support group which was invaluable – Andy’s Man Club.? Amazing, just normal blokes who needed that extra bit of support in a safe and non-judgemental environment.? If you can’t find someone close who you can speak to, seek out organisations such as Mind and The Samaritans.?
Keep Learning
What is your passion?? You are never too old to learn new things, take up a new hobby, change career?? If you are unhappy, you can make opportunities to change it.? Be brave and courageous.
I've recently received training as a Mental Health First Aider. It helps me understand more to be able to help others.
Live, Love, Laugh (and if you can’t laugh, have a cry, it’s better out than in)!
Life is too short, so make yourself a plan and try and live your best life!
Please share your experiences of what has worked for you, so that we can learn to live our best lives.? Take care!
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