Selfcare

We love that you care for others!

But MindFull also needs you to care for you

Benestar

BeneHub is a resource directory that provides general practice, access to councelling, tools, blog posts, podcasts and learning modules curated to help people thrive.

Benehub gives 24/7 access to MyCoach, a team of professionals who support and coach individuals through everything from trauma or grief to exercise and sleep.

Benehub resources relate to

Mind,
Health,
Work,
Family,
Wellbeing,
Life,
Money

These resources are frequently updated and are available on a computer or smartphone app.

Find out more by looking in connecteam under "courses" you will find a course called "Employee Assistance Programme - Benestar". This will provide all the info you need to access this awesome resource.

More Info can be found in connecteam

Caring for you

As Support workers we encourage people every day to care for themselves: exercise more, eat the right things, drink less alcohol, quit smoking, get enough sleep, have time out, make time with friends and develop interests outside work.

We also care for people when these things have unravelled. Knowing what we should do does not mean we always do it.

Self-care requires us to recognise when we are not self-caring. It takes reflection and time. When did you last take time to reflect on how you are? When was your last holiday/time out?

With busy lives and responsibilities, sometimes we get trapped into thinking that other people’s wellbeing is more important than our own. But the truth is, you can't help someone else, when you havent helped yourself.

So for yourself, your family and those you will and do support please take stock of your life, find out where you need to put in some effort, make some plans and commit to them.

If you want support, reach out, we are here to help.

0800 00 31 53

Self Care Activities

Physical Self-Care Examples:

Eat a healthy meal
Engage in exercise
Go for a walk
Drink water
Practice good sleep hygiene (click here for more information)
Have a cup of tea
Sit in the sunlight
Take a shower or bath

Spiritual/Social Self-Care Examples:

Pray
Call/text a friend
Connect with nature
Meditate
Engage in self-reflection

Mental Self-Care Examples:

Practice mindfulness
Take a break
Play video games
Listen to music
Read a book
Listen to a podcast
Reflect on things you are grateful for

Managing Stress

Recent scientific research has shown that while quick, shallow and unfocused breathing may contribute to a host of problems, including anxiety, depression and high blood pressure, cultivating greater control over our lungs can bring many benefits to our mental and physical health.

Scientists are finding that a particular frequency of breath – at around six exhalations a minute – can be especially restorative, triggering a “relaxation response” in the brain and body.

How to do it

To use the 4-7-8 technique, focus on the following breathing pattern:

empty the lungs of air
breathe in quietly through the nose for 4 seconds
hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds
exhale forcefully through the mouth, pursing the lips and making a “whoosh” sound, for 8 seconds
repeat the cycle up to 4 times