This article is taken from our fortnightly newsletter to volunteers from 18th January 2021. Find previous editions of the newsletter here.
With the start of a new year, a national lockdown and many people home schooling, we thought gathering together some self-care links and ideas to keep children (and adults!) occupied would be appreciated. We’ve all been here before, which is why it’s more important than ever to give yourself a few reminders about self-care to keep yourself and others well.
Take some digital time out. Put down the phone, step away from the laptop, turn off the TV. It’s important to stay connected and doing that digitally is fantastic, but it’s also healthy to take some time out, rest your eyes and switch off. It’s quite easy to focus in on the doom and gloom in the media, but try and remember that good news doesn’t sell as many papers. If you need some positive news stories to balance the headlines, take a look at the Good News Network, which only publishes good news stories from around the world.
It can be hard being restricted in your living space, especially if several people are under the same roof. Try to create spaces at home where you can work or school that are separate from your evening or weekend relaxing spaces. If you don’t have enough spare room, try changing the room itself. Home schooling items can be put in a basket, brought out for the day and put away at the end of the school day. If you’re limited to one room, change your bed from a day sofa to a night bed with cushions. Need more ideas? The NHS have published tips for those working from home.
Remember to be kind to yourself. We’re often our own worst critic. Try not to compare yourself to others on social media and what they’re accomplishing. Don’t hold yourself to standards before the pandemic. You don’t have to have mastered the perfect banana bread or learnt a new skill or language. If you have a task to do that you’re finding hard or don’t have the motivation, break it down into manageable chunks, tackle it at a time of day that you have the most energy and don’t forget to reward yourself when you’re done. Start recording three good things each day to help improve your gratitude habit and get out of taking things for granted.
Many people are feeling lonely or isolated. Remember to check the latest rules to see who you’re able to meet up with or bubble with. Although its not the same as a face-to-face meeting over a brew, try scheduling in a few virtual meet ups with friends. Why not choose a Macmillan Games Night to host? If you’re in need of a listening ear organisations such as Samaritans are there 24/7 or contact the Notts Mental Health Advice Line.
For your New Year’s resolution why not make time to look after yourself. If you are struggling with mental health issues seek the support you need. The Notts mental health advice line is available 9am-11pm, 7 days a week. Call: 0300 555 0730 https://t.co/mijBDHSVUd pic.twitter.com/MT3cIbcUfL
— Nottinghamshire Healthcare (@NottsHealthcare) January 10, 2021
If you’re supporting a friend, take a look at these tips as to how to broach a conversation about how they may be feeling.
As always, if any of our volunteers need support from the Volunteering Team, just give us a call, drop us an email or send a text and we’ll be happy to help.