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Ideas For Protecting and Supporting Mental Health This Winter

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Ideas For Protecting and Supporting Mental Health This Winter

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carneolia
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eseu suport emotional

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Ideas for protecting and supporting mental health this winter

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21 views3 pages

Ideas For Protecting and Supporting Mental Health This Winter

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carneolia
eseu suport emotional

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Ideas for protecting and supporting mental health this winter

Ten things you can do to protect your mental health:


1. Reach out for help as early as possible – especially with things like debt or finances, or
with your mental health. 

2. Have a routine and set short-term goals - planning for today, tomorrow, the next week.
If you have big, difficult tasks on your  plate try breaking them up into chains of smaller,
more manageable jobs. 

3. Build in more breaks and exercise into your schedule – our research has told us that
walking and time in nature were the two things that most helped the nation cope with the
stresses of the pandemic. We’ve published a free guide on how you can keep doing this.

4. Look at your sleeping habits – sleep is essential for our mental health and if you are
having trouble because of worry there are things you can do to improve your sleep, from
relaxation to not watching TV in bed.

5. Find the positives from lockdown - It could be things you did, or challenges you
overcame. Ask yourself what was helpful then, and what you can take from that for now. If
you can’t go out or feel isolated, perhaps it’s a good time to find an online book group,
exercise class or even choir. If you can volunteer in your community, you can boost your
mental health as well as helping others. 

6. Plan your finances this winter – including making sure you are getting any benefits you
are entitled to and getting help with any debt concerns you may have.

7. Stay connected – whether that’s work colleagues, friends or family - stay connected with
your family and friends even if you can’t see them. Make a special effort keep in touch with
people you know are on their own and who may be struggling themselves – or who might be
shielding and unable to join the fun outside. 

8. Find time for your needs - it can be easy to serve other people at work or at home, or to
fill our diaries with commitments and activities that crowd out our own needs. Whether it’s
booking leave from work, shutting the bathroom door for a shower or bath away from the
kids, or getting out for a run alone – find something that works for you and make it happen.

9. Make friends with cold, dark days – if you think of winter as one of the regular seasons,
perhaps it could be a time for reflection and doing more things like reading, relaxing, getting
warm and cosy and recharging our batteries. When the days are darker and we can’t take our
mood energy boosts from socialising in the sun, it may make sense to replace this with
another energy-boosting activity like exercise or a hobby like cooking. Going out when it’s
dark and cold might seem unappealing, but taking a break from our screens, and getting some
natural light during the day can really help our mood. 

10. Give yourself a reward – it’s important to celebrate small wins – even if that’s just in
your head. A win could be clearing a work task or getting through a tricky moment like a
supermarket trip. It could just be getting up and dressed. A hot chocolate after a walk outside,
a magazine or even a moment of peace on the sofa are all small rewards. 

Ten risks to our mental health during the pandemic:


1. Worrying about things we can’t control - none of us know what is going to happen in
the next few months, so deal with you what you are able to. For today, you are doing your
best and that is enough. Some people find mindfulness mediation a helpful way to stay in the
moment.

2. Dwelling on gloomy “what if” conversations with friends - try and get out of rumination
– chewing things over in your head. Watch for negative thought patterns and challenge them.

3. Paying too much attention to social media - there’s a lot of speculation about the virus –
where it came from, if it is real, what the government is thinking. Try not to get dragged into
debate. Don’t speculate and post material that criticises or blames people or can’t be verified. 

4. Watching too much news - too much coverage can make us all anxious and the pandemic
isn’t the only tricky news story in the media this winter. Unless you have to, perhaps look at
one bulletin a day.

5. Judging other people’s behaviours - don’t worry about how others are responding to the
restrictions, you can’t do anything about them. It’s easy to let our fear or anxiety come out as
anger towards others, gossip, or even angry outbursts. It’s hard, but try to lead with kindness
even if people seem to be behaving irresponsibly. If you feel you need to say something, do
so politely.  

6. Neglecting your health - we often put a brave face on when times are hard and at the
moment people aren’t coming forward as often with health worries that might become
significant issues. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, get a test. If you have other health
worries – see your GP – lumps, pain, prescription renewals and routine blood tests all still
need to happen. Whether it’s physical or mental health the NHS is still open and available. 

7. Putting up walls - when we are busy with work or struggling with family things it’s easy
to but blinkers on and withdraw from friends and family. If you feel yourself pulling back
from work, or people bring it to your attention – use this as an opportunity to look again at
your wellbeing. 

8. Getting pushed around by others - sometimes when we feel a bit lost or overwhelmed
we can allow ourselves to be directed by others. Sometimes that’s a good thing – our friends
and family help us through. It can be hard to resist friends who want you to break rules on
social distancing or meeting for example. It can also lead to feeling trapped in toxic
relationships or obliged to help people that aren’t good for you.

9. Going to excess - our research has told us that some people are using alcohol, overeating,
over spending and illegal drugs to cope with stress. Try and keep an eye on your drinking,
what you are eating and what you are spending. If things are getting of control, find a
helpline or speak to someone you trust.
10. Losing your balance - we’re juggling life, work and family at the moment. There’s a real
risk that if we lose the balance of the different strands we can end up in trouble. Try and find
a balance between work, home and personal needs and stick to it. You may also want to think
about screen time – making sure that you ration video calls if working from home, and tear
yourself away from your phone. Check out our tips on family life and working life during the
pandemic.

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