With England currently in a second lockdown, we wanted to highlight some handy resources to aid you in staying mentally healthy.

At MMCS we have been working remotely for quite some time so firstly, here are some of the things that have helped us:

• Keeping as normal a “working day” routine as possible, taking a proper lunch break and logging off for the evening
• Focus on set outputs for each day
• Recognising the need to step away for a break; take a breather before returning to your work
• Getting outside for fresh air and some exercise on a regular basis
• Looking after our physical health; eating well, being active and getting plenty of sleep
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Recognise periods of low mood and depression; reach out for support from friends or family, and if these feelings persist, consider going to the GP
• Being kind to ourselves, acknowledging the circumstances we find ourselves in, and knowing we are doing the best we can

You can watch our webinar “Creating a mentally healthy work environment in uncertain times” with guest Shazney Spence (MD of Equanimity) on our YouTube page, which you can watch here.

Other Resources

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) – check with your employer’s HR department if they have an EAP, which will usually offer mental health support.

The NHS website has lots of information and practical tips for staying mentally healthy during lockdown, link below.

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/

Mind, one of the UK’s leading Mental Health Charities, provides a whole wealth of information on their website. The link below details a lot of helpful resources regarding mental health during Coronavirus.

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

Counselling and Psychotherapy – The British Association Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) is a large organisation that many counsellors around the UK are registered with. If ill mental health persists, you may want support via talking therapy, and the BACP have a counsellors’ directory here.

If you feel you need to talk to somebody anonymously, then the Samaritans’ number is 116 123 and their website also lists resources and other ways to get in touch.