In times of change and uncertainty when messaging and restrictions seem to change daily, we’d all like a little control, to feel better, to be happier and maybe bring a little wellbeing into our lives. But what is wellbeing and how do we achieve it?
The dictionary definition of Wellbeing is a state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. The Danes seek hygge that moment of cosiness and comfortable conviviality. But what about when you’re working from home or being interrupted or having to deal with something challenging. Well, the New Economics Foundation describes wellbeing as the following:
‘Wellbeing can be understood as how people feel and how they function, both on a personal and a social level, and how they evaluate their lives as a whole.”
A holistic view of wellbeing sounds good and better than the occasional moment of bliss, but how do we achieve this.
Here are some tips that we’ve found to be useful:
- When working from home set parameters. Set a time for work and stick to it, it’s easy to do longer hours when not physically ‘leaving work’.
- Create a dedicated space for work, ideally away from distractions, somewhere quiet where you have all the things you need to carry out your work – pens, paper, charger, laptop and coffee.
- Take breaks at regular times and remember to look away from the screen from time to time. The 20-20-20 rule is useful. Look away from your screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A walk outside taking in some fresh air can refresh your mind give you some light exercise and could even help shift that creative block as a change of scene allows you to think differently.
- Plants, natural objects and images can have a positive impact, looking at natural objects can give your brain a break from an attention-grabbing screen and allow you to give it more focused attention when you return to it.
- If you can, let light in, sunlight triggers the release of serotonin which stabilises our mood and boosts feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
- Connect and stay in touch, it can be easy to stare at the screen and churn through emails all day. Don’t forget the people you live with and your friends. Don’t ignore everyone at home all day long – you did talk about non work-related stuff in the office. If you live alone, call a friend or family member, a zoom call with them doesn’t have to be a quiz and can make a change to your day and theirs.
- Accentuate the positives…
- You may have more time for yourself and your family as your commute may only be around 45 seconds right now.
- You may have more control about when you work – you may be more productive at different times of the day and you now have the flexibility to work when is best for you.
- You can set up your workspace and environment however you want, the temperature and the radio station are your choice.
While a warm fireplace or a spa break can provide some moments of calm a few simple changes and some practical thoughts about improving your environment can bring lasting benefits to your mental and physical health and overall feeling of wellbeing.
Here are some links we have found with further suggestions and advice on improving your wellbeing.
Mind the mental health support charity has a number of suggestions to support yourself and your team
The NHS have some simple tips for working well at home
BUPA has advice and information about improving your working from home environment and mental wellbeing
IOSH Magazine has some advice for supporting employee’s wellbeing during Lockdown