Taking care of your mental health can seem challenging, especially during difficult times such as the Covid pandemic lockdown. There is guidance available on how you can monitor and manage your mental wellbeing. Mental Health UK details ‘5 ways to Wellbeing’, which offers a set of five key pillars that improve mental health; social connectedness, physical activity, awareness, learning, and giving.
A great way to relieve stress and promote positive mental wellbeing is to find a way to connect with nature. This does not have to be climbing a mountain, it could be a stroll in a local park, a walk along a nearby waterway or helping out at a communal garden. Here are a few tips on how you can connect with nature.
As part of National Mental Health Awareness Week we interviewed Claudette Douglas, Chaplaincy Coordinator at London South East Colleges, to ask her about her role and the importance of emotional and mental wellbeing.
“We are a multifaith chaplaincy who support the spiritual and emotional needs and welfare of those of all faiths and religions, as well as those who do not adhere to any faith. My responsibilities include devising, developing and delivering projects, as well as providing training and activities that support the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of all students and staff.
Lockdown concerns for vulnerable family and friends promoted a great deal of deep personal thinking and reflection and as one might expect many staff and students have been questioning their sense of purpose and value.
Symptoms of depression, like listlessness and lack of sleep or focus, are some of the issues which were more prevalent during the pandemic. We heard from staff and students facing anxiety, uncertainty, and fear and increasing numbers of leaners feeling more anxious about their future and their lack of motivation to engage with their studies.
A positive result of this has been the collaborative work across departments that has enabled us to set up virtual activities such as an online book club where students and staff were able to meet, engage and have fun.
Online events and sessions have provided a safe supportive space for students to touch base and receive advice and support from the staff team have worked well. Our food and community outreach projects have made a significant financial and emotional different for those facing hardship.
We intend to continue the 'Well Read, Well Said!' wellbeing book club and will be creating more spaces for staff to share, celebrate and have fun together. We will also be delivering two new spiritual empowerment training courses in October.
The five ways to wellbeing are a set of pillars: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give are key to improving our mental health. Across the week try and find ways to connect with your soul, your family and loved ones so you can enjoy things on your own and discover things together. Try and build in some small yet effective activities into your daily life to help you feel more positive and more able to get the most out of your life.
So, no more excuses. Remember, you deserve to make time for your self-care and wellbeing so get involved and surrender to the process.
Please click here to find out more about our ‘Well Read, Well Said!’ virtual wellbeing book club.
LB