Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
Looking after your wellbeing whilst working from home is today’s theme of Mental Health Awareness Week.
It’s part of the week’s focus on kindness, with the week running from 18 - 24 May.
The focus on kindness is a response to the coronavirus outbreak, which is having a big impact on people's mental health.
Everyone will be reacting in their own way. You might be feeling down, worried or anxious.
Remember, it is OK to feel like this. These are normal reactions to uncertainty and to challenging times.
This is a chance for us all to focus on our mental health and wellbeing with the view to using everyday hints and tips throughout our life
It is all about:
- Being kind to others
- Being kind to ourselves
Looking after your wellbeing whilst working from home
Create a separate, clutter free workspace
- It is important to create boundaries between work life and home life.
- If you can work in a place that you wouldn’t usually spend your social time to create this distinction (such as at the dining table, in a spare bedroom or study).
- Keeping the area clutter free will help you to focus.
Ensure your workspace allows for correct posture
- Whilst it will be tricky to entirely replicate the office environment.
- It is important that you do what you can to ensure your screen is at the correct height, you are sitting up straight, your arms are at right angles to your body, and your feet are flat on the ground.
Set distinct start and finish times
- It is easy to lose track of time when at home, and it is important not to work more hours than you usually would.
Get washed and dressed
- As tempting as it may be to work in your pajamas, the process of getting up, showered and dressed helps you to keep a sense of routine.
- It also starts your day with a feeling of accomplishment.
Take regular breaks from screen time
- Prolonged time staring at your computer screen can cause headache, neck or eye strain.
- HSE recommend a 5-10 minute break from the screen every hour.
Get some fresh air
- If possible, try to get some fresh air and sunlight throughout the day, even if this is just opening a window or going out into the garden.
Stay active
- Use your breaks to do something active.
- Go for a short walk, do some stretches, dance around the kitchen or whatever you find enjoyable.
Information and support
Every Mind Matters - https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/top-tips-to-improve-your-mental-wellbeing/
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service
Call them on 0161 983 0902 between Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Wed 9am-8pm or visit www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Greater Manchester health support, advice and tips around smoking, alcohol, sexual wellbeing, moving, feelings and eating visit:
Living life to the full
Free online courses covering low mood, stress and resiliency www.gmhealthhub.org/feeling/living-life-to-the-full
Follow #kindnessmattersinGM and #MHAW2020 on social media