Newington colleagues share their experiences of what helps them maintain their mental wellbeing

On top of everyday challenges, the global coronavirus pandemic has added an additional burden on individuals and families, causing increasingly more widespread anxiety and mental ill-health.

The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, from 18-24 May 2020, is kindness. All of us are guilty of not always being kind to ourselves or looking after our mental health with as much attentiveness as we might put into keeping our bodies healthy. Change is often hard, and can seem overwhelming, so while there is no single magic cure, trying just one thing at a time can sometimes make a difference.

This week, as we raise awareness of the importance of being kind and the positive impact it has on people’s mental health, Newington colleagues share what helps them stay mentally fit – things that have worked for them in the past or are helping them cope with the unprecedented situation we all find ourselves in.

In their own words:

• Physical fitness is key to my mental health. Breaking up the day with gym sessions, weekend cycling, even a midday walk are all important. I also find that very clearly defined weekends help so you know to stop work and relax.
   
• One of the most helpful things I've done for my mental health was finding exercise that I actually like doing, and doing it regularly. The experimentation process also had benefits for my confidence - I am much less afraid to look completely ridiculous practicing yoga, Zumba, weightlifting or (once, memorably) Quidditch.
   
• For me, making sure that I exercise and stay physically healthy is really important in looking after my mental health. I'm not naturally a fit or active person, and it's often difficult to get off the couch and go for a run, but I always feel better afterwards and never regret taking the time to exercise and get some fresh air. I listen to podcasts while I'm out so I don't focus too much on how far I've run or how much is still to go!
   
• Running after work and listening to an audiobook on my headphones and running the deserted streets while everyone else is exercising in the park is my "one thing"
   
• As a bit of an antsy – but not very sporty person – I have been finding joy in the little things I can “achieve” at home: de-cluttering a room, cooking a nice meal from scratch, finishing a jigsaw puzzle, growing and caring for plants, tiny chores like replacing a lightbulb or framing a photo.... It can be anything and it can be small but at a time where some might feel anxious to be “productive”, doing little things you can actually see or experience in your own space brings a sense of achievement that has certainly lifted my spirits.
   
• Exercise is my number one when it comes to mental health especially during difficult situations like the lockdown. I started running every day in the middle of April and every week I increase the distance. It helps me feel better both physically and mentally.
   
• One thing that has helped me through more mental health issues is sketching. It’s been a long time since I’ve really sketched and gone into a quiet place - the last time I was in a dark place actually - but it’s been really good for my concentration again.
   
• One of the main ways to maintain mental wellbeing is by staying connected, which as we know, is extremely difficult in the current climate. I try and make time for my friends and family whilst also limiting my screen time. Being outside when possible and being around nature always helps. When my mind is able to, I pick up a book - both fiction and non-fiction - to enter different realities or learn something new.
   
• I would say mindfulness activities – including colouring in – are extremely helpful and have definitely provided a good source of distraction for me during lockdown.
   
• For me, being in nature has been a great benefit to my mental health. Working at home can sometimes feel tiring and alienating but whenever I’ve gone for runs in a nearby forest, I’ve felt rejuvenated afterwards. Disengaging from technology in this way for just half an hour has been a tonic – it has improved my mood, outlook and concentration.
   
• I'm not sure if I am 'getting through' this in a particularly smooth or steady way. I think I will only know how I've managed things once I feel like I am out of the other side. When my mood slumps, or I feel a bit helpless, there are a couple of things I enjoy; like taking a long walk with my headphones in, or calling my Mum for a chat. In relation to the kindness theme, I always pick up hard to find items if I pop out to the shops: one friend needs a particular brand of soya milk and another enjoys mortadella ham which is hard to find.
   

Recommendations:

• Some of the Instagram live sessions which comedians such as Romesh Ranganathan do are quite uplifting and I also follow Daisy May-Cooper and other comedians on Instagram. Oh and Sarah Powell, she has a very uplifting approach to life. Mad World podcast by Bryony Gordon is also great.
   

• Over this period, one thing that has helped me, is a friend recommended that I download the app ‘Headspace’. A meditation app that teaches a person to be present. It has helped a lot. Just being able to breathe your way through situations holds a lot more power than people might think.

For further information we recommend:

• Visiting the Mental Health Foundation website which has ideas on how to look after your mental health during coronavirus as well as on acts of kindness;
• Checking out the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival website which offers a fantastic online programme.
• Watching Mental Health First Aid’s YouTube Video on supporting your mental health while working from home