Are you okay? no, really are you okay? I'm very grateful of the lighter nights recently as it gives me more flexibility to walk the dog or go for a run in daylight. But if you are feeling low please remember to speak to someone or have a look at the resources we’ve shared in previous editions which might help.
As well as our Mental Health First Aiders who are available to you as a point of contact, reassurance and guidance and to give support at a time of crisis. We also have our Mental Health Champions whose role is to encourage more open conversation about mental health and wellbeing, so if you want to support this or just have a chat about wellbeing, they are there for you.
You also have the Employee Assistance Programme, delivered by Health Assured, available on the phone (0800 028 0199) to support you and your immediate family 24 hours a day, all year round. They have also just released a brand new app – My Healthy Advantage.
The health and wellbeing mobile app provides an enhanced set of wellbeing tools and engaging features designed to improve your mental and physical health by using metrics to set goals and achievements. These features include:
Here is a full overview of the app and step by step guidance how to register. The code you need to use is MHA045923.
Are you having too much screen time?
If we’re not sat at our laptops working, we’re likely to be watching the news or the latest tv series on Netflix or scrolling through social media on our phones. According to latest Ofcom study, there has been a surge in screen time during lockdown with adults in the UK glued to their devices for more than 40 percent of the waking day. It found that adults in the UK spent an average of six hours and 25 minutes on their phones, TVs and laptops each day, resulting in 45 hours of screen time each week. Here are just a few ways your health could be negatively affected by spending too much time in front of a screen:
- Sleep problems – the light emitted from electronic devices interferes with the brain’s sleep cycle and can prevent getting a good night’s sleep.
- Chronic neck and back pain – too much screen time can lead to poor posture, causing chronic neck, shoulder and back pain.
- Depression and anxiety – experts suggest that higher screen time and depression could be connected along with an increase in suicidal behaviors and lower one’s ability to read emotions in general.
Here are 3 top tips to reduce your screen time:
- Have a device free bedroom and try to avoid screens for at least an hour before you climb into bed.
- Take regular breaks from the screen and sitting – walk aorund, stand or stretch.
- Move your device into the next room to discourage you from unconscious scrolling.
Why not replace that screen time with a yoga class?
If you weren’t already aware, we hold a weekly yoga class and there is still time for you to join! Here's what you need to know:
- classes are held on Tuesday mornings from 7:15 – 8.15am via Zoom.
- to join you will need to commit to a block of 5 sessions starting on 23 February 2021.
- you will need access to zoom, a clear space in your house to practice (where you can see your laptop/tablet) and a yoga matt if you have one, but it is not essential.
- the style of yoga is based on a Vinyasa practice, where you move from one pose to the next every 5 breaths.
- the yoga classes are catered for all levels - so if you're a beginner and want to try something new please don't be shy!
- this practice helps to stabilise the body, support any injury’s, loosen shoulders while strengthening your core, lower back and knees.
- this style of yoga is beneficial to do in the morning before a day of sitting and concentrating on to do lists and emails, as it awakens and refreshes the body and mind for the day ahead.
Prices vary depending on the group size, currently it is £40 for 5 weeks but if a couple more join this will be reduced to £30.
So why not try something new? If you celebrate it, it might be something to try for lent (which starts today) or an opportunity to do something more social with colleagues. For more information or to join the classes, please contact Nicola Manco.
On a final note, I wanted to let you know that Wellbeing Wednesday we be moving to monthly editions. We will be continuing to add and keep resources available to you on the staff hub and we will still be including health and wellbeing information and guidance regularly in comms. If you have any topics or themes you want to be covered in Wellbeing Wednesdays please get in touch or speak to one of our Mental Health Champions.
If you are having a few days off for half term to spend with your children or people in the household that work within education, I hope you enjoy your leave.