Six ways to look after your wellbeing

Wake up early

Waking up ten minutes before you need to be out the door may be a good way to get some extra sleep, but it can be a terrible way to start your day, as well as increasing your stress levels and blood pressure!

Instead, try and get up half an hour earlier to give yourself plenty of time to wake up, have something to eat and plan your day. If you need to get ready for work, try and put out your uniform/clothes and pack your lunch the night before so you can focus on starting your day off right.

Practice mindfulness

Paying more attention to your current thoughts, feelings, and the world around you can help you enjoy the present moment, and improve your wellbeing. This
self-awareness is sometimes called ‘mindfulness’

For examples of mindfulness exercises you could try, visit the Mind website.

Learn to say no

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, and you just need everything to slow down for a while. When this happens, it’s important to know how to say no to any invitations or requests for help so you don’t spread yourself too thin.

Learning to say no isn’t easy at first but over time, and with practice, it does become easier. For example, you could say:

“Thank you, I appreciate the offer, but I am unable to make the time at the moment.”

“I do not have any availability now.”

“I cannot help this time, maybe next time.”

Remember, you don’t have to justify your decision or offer up any excuses.

Focus on the positives

When you’ve had a bad day, it can seem like everything was awful but there will have been good bits in your day, not matter how small. For example, you may have enjoyed your dinner, you could have had a nice commute to work or you may have had fun with your children. Focusing on the small positives in your day will help you feel better about yourself and your life.

Some people also find it helpful to write down three things they’re grateful for before they go to bed so they end their day on a positive note.

Acknowledge your feelings

It’s normal to feel sad, depressed, anxious or lonely, and it’s okay to not be okay. Sometimes it can be helpful to sit alone in a quiet place to process and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings. However, if you’re really struggling you may want to think about sharing your feelings with a loved one or a support organisation, like TASC.

Do something for yourself

Everyone needs some time to themselves now and again. So, try and find some time to yourself once a fortnight to relax and do something you enjoy. For example, you could go for a walk or drive in the countryside, you could try painting or you could go out to dinner with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.