To mark World Mental Health Day here are five steps to support your mental wellbeing

Today marks World Mental Health Day, and the theme for this year, as set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is ‘making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority.’

1 in 4 of us have been affected by a mental health issue. It’s more common than you think and because of this we understand the importance of prioritising your mental health and recognise that our colleges may need an extra helping hand.

We are proud to offer our colleges a variety of benefits across health, fitness, mindfulness, and free access to professional counselling, as well as our team of trained Mental Health First Aiders. The Mental Health First Aid team are individuals from across Kubrick HQ both in the US and UK who volunteer to support any member of the business with their challenges. After becoming certified, members are available for virtual or in-person guidance, as well as produce relevant content and events to support mental wellbeing throughout the year.

Looking after your mental health is not something we should only do if we are struggling, or feeling low, anxious, or stressed. It's actually something we should think about all the time and really invest in, just like with our physical health. We know times might be tough, so we wanted to share our top tips for supporting your mental wellbeing as suggested by our Mental Health First Aiders!

1.?????Connect with colleges

For Chiara Liquori , HR Manager, an important aspect of mental wellbeing lies within nurturing our personal relationships: "Stay connected – we all lead busy lives and sometimes it is hard to stop and think about the world outside of your day job, but it is important to schedule time outside your working day to keep in touch with others. Whether that’s with colleagues, friends, family, or someone you haven’t spoken to in while, take the time to send that text, give them a call or meet for a well-overdue coffee! Maintaining our social relationships helps us and others feel less isolated, alone, and stressed."

2.?????Make a move

Exercise is not only important for your physical health but can make a massive impact on your mental wellbeing. Imogen Rona , Consultant Success Manager said, “Exercise is one way to boost your endorphins whilst taking care of both your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether that is taking 30 minutes out of your day to get some fresh air and go for walk, lacing up your running shoes or busting out your best moves, movement in whatever shape or form is proven to get you feeling good! Our top tip is to block out 30 minutes a day during your lunch break to take some time away from your screen, unplug and go for a walk”.

3.?????Set yourself bite-sized tasks

Life can feel very overwhelming at times especially when we have lots on the go. John Coughlan , Principal Consultant in Data Analytics suggest, "Setting small targets and managing your workload with bite-sized tasks each day can actually make you happier. Something as simple as sending an email or completing a piece of work can release dopamine in our brain, which generates feelings of happiness and satisfaction. So, break down your time into manageable parts that you can achieve regularly and get your daily dopamine fix!"

4.?????Do something for you

Make sure you do one thing a day just for you. No matter how big or small it is important to prioritise yourself each day do something that makes you happy. University Manager, Camilla Dickson tells us: “Make sure to do one thing in the day just for you - something that makes you smile, something that makes you feel content or calm. This might be exercise, it might be getting some fresh air, or even taking the time to just make yourself an extra nice coffee! But make sure to prioritise yourself, even if it is just for 10 or 15 minutes. It can help to re-centre yourself and put the rest of the day into perspective.”

5.?????Get some shut eye!

Office Manager and HR team member Rebecca Gunner followed up with a reminder on the importance of sleep: "Make sure you have some proper downtime before bed. That means at least an hour that doesn’t involve mobile phones or TV - this way you will be nice and relaxed before you switch off the lights and are more likely to have a better night's sleep to be ready to tackle those little goals you have set yourself for the next day."

If you feel like you need to speak to someone about your mental health outside of work, charities like Mind , Action for Happiness and The Samaritans provide resources and have services available online and on the phone in the UK. ?Resources in the US include The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline , NYC Well and NAMI.