10 ways to look after your wellbeing

Wellbeing, or the lack of it, particularly at work, is the subject of much interest at the moment. No wonder: sickness absence can cost employers over £500 per employee per year. Not surprisingly, more enlightened employers are providing ways and means for their people to foster wellbeing. Meanwhile, what can you do to look after yourself?

1. Check your mood using the brilliant NHS moodzone’s mood quiz. The quiz is really simple and quick to do and gives you scores based on your responses, with links to useful resources.
2. Mind, the mental health charity, has practical tips for mental health, including relaxation.
3. Make sure you’re not the cause of others’ stress at work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has sound advice, including spotting signs of stress. The HSE site has heaps of resources for employers and individuals, such as ‘Mental health conditions, work and the workplace’.
4. Take a walk to relax and re-energise. You can even gently meditate by paying attention to your steps and counting them 1 to 4 over and over, or noticing your breath and deepening your breathing. You can walk alone or join a group such as Explorer UK on Meetup. The Guardian has been singing the praises of walking groups; this piece has lots of ideas and useful links.
5. Keep a journal. Journaling is a great way to hit the pause button, reflect on what’s going on for you whilst building your writing fluency at the same time. More benefits listed here courtesy of The Telegraph.
6. Turn off the tech. I know, I know, so much easier to say than to do – particularly if it’s also your alarm clock. But studies show that fiddling with tech before – and after – bedtime messes with our sleep habits, our mood and more. And if your phone is your alarm clock, put it on airplane mode.
7. Sleep. Watch Russell Foster’s fascinating TED talk if you need convincing.
8. Learn something new. Keep your brain healthy by learning something new on a regular basis. You could try an online course via OpenLearn or face to face with CityLit or simply search for adult learning in your district.
9. Meditate. Some people say it’s the best thing they’ve taken up; others find it a turn-off – you decide. There are classes you can take, or you can find out more through sites such as Headspace.
10. Eat well. Nourish mind, body and soul with healthy food choices. For more, check out BBCgoodfood.

Dawn is the author of ‘The Feedback Book’ and ‘How to be Zoomly at work’.