Created on 31 March 2020

Looking after you

With weeks and months of the coronavirus pandemic ahead, it is important for us all to look after ourselves and if possible those around us. There is a lot of information out there about wellbeing tips and mindfulness and every one of us will find different information useful, there is no correct answer but it is important for us all to make time to explore what it is that makes us feel more able to deal with the more difficult day to day at the moment.

Mental Health charity Mind, recommends continuing to access nature and sunlight wherever possible, to exercise, eat well and stay hydrated.

AnxietyUK suggests practising the “Apple” technique to deal with anxiety and worries.

Acknowledge: Notice and acknowledge the uncertainty as it comes to mind.
Pause: Try not to react, but pause and breathe.
Pull back: Remind yourself this is the worry talking, and is only a thought or feeling. Don’t believe everything you think as thoughts are not statements or facts.
Let go: Let go of the thought or feeling. It will pass. You don’t have to respond to them. You might imagine them floating away in a bubble or cloud.
Explore: Explore the present moment, because right now, in this moment, all is well. Notice your breathing and the sensations of your breathing. Notice the ground beneath you. Look around and notice what you see, what you hear, what you can touch, what you can smell. Right now. Then shift your focus of attention to something else – on what you need to do, on what you were doing before you noticed the worry, or do something else – mindfully with your full attention.

This is just some of the advice out there, HeadsUp are posting tips on our social media channels and of course visit the websites of Mind and AnxietyUK (or others) for more information and advice.

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