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During this time of social distancing and with a large majority of us now working from home it can be hard to find some normality.

Working from home provides its own plethora of new stresses and struggles, and being separated from loved ones can have a profound impact on your mental wellbeing.

At UU����ֱ�� we have been doing a range of different things to keep spirits high and ensure employees mental health and wellbeing is taken care of. For example, as part of our Thrive programme we have made available a series of webinars from on managing and understanding COVID-19. These webinars cover things such as, an open Q&A with Dr Ellie Cannon and help with speaking to children about Coronavirus.

To help you keep up your mental wellbeing, we have spoken to Mind, the mental health charity—which provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem—to share with you their top tips on staying mentally healthy at home.

Head of Information at Mind, Stephen Buckley highlighted:

“Many people are being asked to stay at home and avoid others, which might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things people can try to help with their wellbeing during the outbreak. Mind has created information to help anyone who is worried about the impact of coronavirus, including tips on how to stay well at home or indoors, available on our website at .”

 

 

5 tips for staying mentally healthy at home:

• Eat well and stay hydrated: Our physical and mental health are linked, so make sure you are eating regularly and drinking enough water. Think about getting food delivered or asking someone else to drop food off for you. Being at home might impact your routine which can affect your appetite and when you drink water. It can help to create a new routine to make sure you are looking after yourself.
  
• Try to keep active: If you can, build physical activity into your daily routine. Exercising at home can be simple and there are options for most ages and abilities.
  
• Continue accessing treatment and support if possible: If you're receiving ongoing treatment for a physical or mental health problem and don’t feel you need to be seen face to face, some GP services are available via online or telephone consultations. Check with your GP to see what they offer.
  
• Keep taking your medication: If you have a repeat prescription you might be able to order it by phone, online or using an app. Check to see if you can download the free NHS App and search for your surgery. You can also ask your pharmacy about getting your medication delivered or asking someone to collect it for you, the NHS website has information on how to pick up a prescription for someone else.
  
• Keep your mind stimulated: Keep your brain occupied and challenged. Set aside time in your routine for this. Read books, magazines and articles. Listen to podcasts, watch films and do puzzles.

Mind

Mind has a confidential information and support line, Mind Infoline, available on 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am - 6pm, Monday – Friday)

The online mental health community Elefriends is a safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s wider information and resources, and give support in return. Find out more at .