Due to events over the first half of 2020, it is understandable that you may have found your general wellbeing may have waivered.
You may have had days of feeling empowered, days of feeling relaxed, days of feeling bored or even depressed. You may be a parent juggling work and childcare, you may be mentally and physically worn out.
Possibly, you are that person who managed to find time to start a new health regime, fantastic!
Or you may be one of thousands of people who have just focused on getting through the last few months.
If that is you then again, that’s okay, you’ve done a great job.

Either way the changes currently happening, such as gyms opening up, may either feel like waiting for Christmas, or it may be filling you with dread.

One of the most important things to remember right now is you need to do what is right for you.

If you feel you would like to come out of lockdown with a new habit or regime, excellent, let us start one!
If this is not where you are currently, that’s fine, let’s look at what you can start to implement.
Ultimately your wellbeing is the vital foundation to build on for everything you do.
Whether this be work related, building relationships or dealing with everyday pressures.

Well, without jumping into a major health kick, it is just as important to consider your everyday wellbeing.
The way you feel day to day is the foundation for your general wellbeing, without this there is very little chance of building to anything else.
So, consider your wellbeing as more than just your physical or general wellbeing, but consider the emotions you go through day to day.

How can you take steps towards your new improved wellbeing?

 

1. Getting Outdoors

This is something that is taken for granted, but just getting outside for some fresh air can substantially increase your mental wellbeing, as well as physical.
Just 20-30 minutes of outdoor exercise a day can decrease levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Big outdoor spaces have rightfully gained attention recently for the benefits they provide.
As well as providing beautiful scenery, the vast outdoor space is something that everyone can benefit from without feeling the pressures of being close to people.

 

2. Self-Care

This is something that is extremely underrated.
How often do you create time specifically to spend on yourself?
This may just be reading your favourite book, watching your favourite show or just simply lying down and closing your eyes for five minutes.
The most important thing is that you are spending some time for yourself with no distractions.

 

3. Saying no

Although an element of self-care, it is important that you put yourself first.
This means that sometimes you just have to say no to things that would lead to you coming off worse in terms of your wellbeing.
It may not be easy to do, but the more you put yourself first the more you will see the benefit and importance of your wellbeing as a priority.

4. Kickstarting good habits

Now that we are focusing on how we feel for building our wellbeing, consider some good habits you can add into your day which may enhance this.
Eating well- wholesome foods that prevent you from feeling the need to snack through the day can help prevent energy drops throughout the day which will affect your mood.
Hydration- getting at least 2 litres of water a day is vital to keep you functioning well.

5. Setting Goals

Right now “getting back to normal” may seem quite far away for many, so it is important to focus on smaller goals.
Setting smaller daily goals will help not only to provide focus, but will also build confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
This may be to make the bed every day to start your day off productively.
It might be a daily target of going for a walk, or even just asking yourself how you feel today.

Creating these small targets will help you to move forward, building confidence from the progressions you are making.

So, what will your goal for tomorrow be?

 

Here at EnterprisingYou, we provide fully-funded support to the self-employed and gig economy workers of Greater Manchester to improve their health & wellbeing. If you feel you would benefit from some guidance to help you build your new normal, get in touch with the EnterprisingYou Team for a diagnostic and eligibility check onto the programme by calling us on 0161 667 6900 or email to info@enterprising-you.co.uk

More information about the EnterprisingYou programme can be found here. 

Also look out for our next Blog on “Managing Your ‘New’ Wellbeing – Creating and Maintaining Habits”