How can I look after my wellbeing at work?
Take time to relax every day
• Slow down, relax your shoulders and breathe more naturally.
• Try breathing exercises, yoga, aromatherapy and Mindfulness to help to you to feel calmer.
www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/relax
Eat healthy
• Eat a balanced lunch with fresh vegetables and protein.
• Take some healthy snacks to work - ditch the sugary snacks and crisps.
• Drink no more than two cups of coffee a day.
• Drink herbal teas and plenty of water.
www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/look-after-yourself
Sleep well
• Create a nightly routine to help you sleep.
• Switch off digital devices after 9pm - turn off your mobile and laptop.
• Tackle any worries keeping you awake.
• Practise relaxation and breathing exercises.
www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/sleep
Look after your health
• Take 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day - take a stroll at lunchtime, ride your bike to work or find something you enjoy.
• Stop smoking - it will only make you feel moreanxious.
• Avoid drinking alcohol after a stressful day - swap a drink for relaxation!
www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/ look-after-yourself
Take proper breaks
• Take a lunch break away from your desk - sit with your colleagues or go for a mindful walk.
• Take your holidays - working under pressure for months without stopping can allow stress to build up.
• Pace yourself- working long hours and taking work home will increase tiredness and anxiety.
• Create time for yourself each day - build in at least 30 minutes to shut off and do something you enjoy
Spend time with colleagues
• Try to eat your lunch with colleagues - a few times a week to have a chat and catch-up.
• Organise some team lunches - ask your colleagues to bring in one dish to share and sit down together to catch up. Or try a team crafting activity!
• Take part in work social activities like sports clubs, craft groups, social outings, book clubs, baking competitions or charity fundraising.
Manage your time
• Try to prioritise - schedule time each day to review your big to-do list & decide what needs doing today. Think about which tasks are important as well as urgent and try to concentrate on one task at a time without feeling overwhelmed.
• Try to organise your workload - start to plan projects early so that you can set deadlines for yourself and flag any problems to your manager.
• Plan for the unexpected - create some slack so you can react to unexpected demands and tasks.
Reduce the pressure
• Try talking to your manager - if you are struggling or not clear about your role or objectives.
• Try to be realistic - are you expecting too much of yourself? What can wait, what's important and can anyone else help?
• Keep your desk tidy - a calm working space can help reduce unnecessary stress.
• Divide problems up - break problems up into realistic chunks and create time in your diary for projects and routine work.
• Don't keep problems to yourself - try talking it through with a friend or colleague you trust.