There are lots of things we can do to look after our own well-being. Here are a few ideas you might like to try from Director of Well-Being, Anna.
It’s a bit of a strange situation we find ourselves in lately, and without all our normal activities to keep us occupied we need to get creative! While we’re in lockdown our wonderful staff are sharing their 5 top tips of things to do, whether it’s a new way to experience old favourites, or the chance to try something completely novel.
Today’s tips are for looking after ourselves, and particularly our mental well-being, during these unusual times.
1. Getting lost in music
Listening to music can do wonders, from changing your mood to helping you focus, or simply as a background tune as you go about your day. If you need a bit of a change of pace, listening to music, of any genre, can be more than just a soundtrack for your day.
Read more from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.
2. Getting creative with art
Being creative can be a great outlet for our emotions, with just the act of drawing or painting being a soothing motion for some. Whether you’re a total beginner or a secret Picasso, getting creative in any way can be an excellent stress-buster and mood-lifter.
Read more from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
3. Getting stuck into a good book
What better way to be transported into another world than by reading – be it a book, an e-book or an audio book. Fact or fiction, something new or an old favourite, reading can be a wonderful way to focus on something other than our own lives.
Read more from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.
4. Making the most of our daily exercise
A walk can be a wonderful way to clear your head. The sights and sounds in the outside world, or even just getting out of our usual head space, a walk can help our mind as well as our body. Mindful walking and walking meditation can be an excellent place to start.
Read more from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families.
5. Getting a good night’s sleep
A good night’s sleep sets us up for the day ahead, but drifting off and staying asleep isn’t always easy.
Read some top tips on better sleep from Mental Health Foundation.
If none of these takes your fancy, why not check out ‘On My Mind’?
Self Care, Anxiety, Depression, Coping Strategies | On My Mind
It has more than 90 activities we can do to look after ourselves and our well-being!
Like today’s ‘5 things’? Then find more here. There’s a smorgasbord of activities to try at home.
We hope you’ve found these top tips helpful, and we’d love to hear your top tips via facebook and twitter. We’ll be sharing more tips over the coming days. For more information about Red Balloon or to make a donation visit our homepage.
