Today is Blue Monday, so I thought what we all need now are some ideas to keep our spirits up.

Here’s an insight into what Naomi and I have been trying to do to look after our well-being and stay sane. Does it ring any bells with you?

I have to admit to being a control freak – It literally drives my husband mad!  So, I’ve found the uncertainty of the pandemic really hard, because the whole situation is much bigger than me and completely out of my control.

I’m getting better at switching off the news and try not to be tuned in to every single update that happens.  What works for me is keeping busy and to keep the work/life balance in check I’ve found escapism from creative projects. (Well that and box-sets on Netflix!! 😂)

Since lockdown 1 I’ve learnt how to do pyrography (the art of wood-burning), I’ve sent friends and family home-made cards and tried out different baking techniques.

I’ve also tried to be active every day.  Routine is the only way I can do it. Well we all need to find what works for us don’t we. For me Lucy Wyndham Read’s 7 Minute Fitness works because

I know I can fit 7 minutes into my day, so I do it regularly.  Plus, Lucy focusses on investing in your future health, it’s not about being skinny but being healthy.  Like a number of fitness coaches, Lucy uses a Facebook group to provide a support network for her followers. I haven’t joined but I know this could be useful to some people.

Every day is a challenge and some days are better than others.  I worry that my teenagers don’t get outside enough and spend practically all their time on screens, but how else do they learn and keep in touch with their friends?  I have to remind myself that this won’t be forever and again this is something else I need to let go of.

Naomi has been doing dry January, which I really admire because I’ve never done it. In Naomi’s words:

“In 2020 I noticed I was drinking a bit more, that one glass of wine over a chat with friends became 2.  So I thought I needed a break.  While I don’t see myself as an addictive person, I literally have a little pang of ‘I need wine!’ at a certain time most evenings.  To combat those pangs which I could easily succumb to – having lots of booze in the house left over from Christmas – I have found myself having more relaxing baths. I do the whole candles, bath salts and relaxing music thing – to recreate the feeling of a spa. 

I think about exercising in the evenings, but that hasn’t often come to fruition.  I’ve bought some Woman’s Health magazines to help to motivate me!  And, sometimes I’ll have a glass of slimline tonic, ice and lemon – and you can just about imaging you’re drinking gin with it.  My friend enjoys Nosecco and alcohol-free cider, so if the cravings continue, I might venture there too. 

Meanwhile, I am sleeping better and for longer, I wake up feeling fresh.  I guess a low level of anxiety is still there, but I think not as intensively.  I am clearer minded and seriously, I can feel the Christmas tummy bulge very slowly dissipating.  Wine is very calorific and I think this has been the biggest impact on me.

I’m only half-way through the month of course, but not drinking is doing me good already.  I recommend giving it a try and well done to all you tee-totallers or to anyone who’s broken a habit.  Huge respect. “

If you’re keen to stop or reduce your drinking, here are some links to help you:

Drinkcoach is an online tool you can use to track and change your drinking habits.

Other support is also available in the form of tools like the Drinkcoach app and of course Acoholics Anonymous has a free helpline, anonymous chat function amongst other ways of getting in touch.

By sharing what Naomi and I do (and how we feel) proves the point that we’re all different.  We all find joy in different things and have different coping mechanisms.  So, to try and avoid reaching for comfort food or looking for happiness in the bottom of a glass, have a go at finding something else that helps.

It could be as simple as wearing something bright and cheery, listening to some feel-good tunes, getting outside and soaking up some nature or watching something funny on the telly.

The most important message at this time is BE KIND TO YOURSELF.  We all look after others in our roles in the Trust, but you need to look after you, so you’re capable of caring for others.

Try and find a slot of maybe 10 minutes a day doing something you enjoy.  Here’s a short guide to help: 10 Minutes Just For You.

And TREAT YOURSELF WITH RESPECT.

Would you speak to somebody else in the way you speak about yourself? The relationship you have with yourself is crucial to your own wellbeing and to creating healthy and happy relationships with others. Try not to be self-critical – accept who you are. 

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP.

Asking for help is a sign of strength and courage.

Help is available from:

• EAP:  Colleagues can access our Employee Assistance Programme, which is a free 24-hour confidential service run by Canada Life: login and contact details available on http://ourtrusthub.co.uk
• Contact one of our Mental Health First Aiders.
• You can speak to your line manager, your local Pastoral Care team, HR Business Partner or Colleague Engagement Manager (log into Our Trust Hub or see the internal phone list for contact details).
• Mindline has extended opening hours, 7 nights per week from 7pm to 11pm: 0808 808 0330.  They offer safe and confidential support.
• The NHS mental health crisis line for Avon and Wiltshire is:  0300 303 1320.   They provide round-the-clock support for adults and children, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
• Text support:  Text FRONTLINE to 85258 (free) to start a conversation with a ‘Shout’ crisis support worker, they offer “in the moment help for times when life gets overwhelming and you need immediate support.”
• Visit https://wearesmt.co.uk/useful-resources/ for a more comprehensive list of sources of support.

I’d love to know what you do to stay happy and healthy at the moment.  Your ideas could help someone else who might be struggling.  We’d love to get your feedback and ideas.

Sending you all positive vibes.  We will get through this time, things will change for the better.

Thank you again for all you do. Stay safe and well.