Keeping Well

Take Five Steps to Wellbeing

‘Take 5 steps to Wellbeing’ was provided by Health and Social Care Northern Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. However, even as we emerge, perhaps we have learnt lessons about doing things differently. There are still those who are isolated.

1. Connect

 Connect with the people around you. We are all in this together. Keep in touch with family, friends, colleagues or neighbours through calls, text or video links like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Messenger or Skype. Arrange a daily telephone call, especially with those who may be at home alone. 

2. Be Active

Exercising makes us feel good mentally and physically. We have to be a little creative in our new situation. Gardening or housework count as physical activity. Maybe try an online exercise video. The NHS website http://pha.site/workout has a range of options, or there are a number of fun videos available free on YouTube for all ages and different levels of ability. 

3. Take Notice

Stop, pause and take a moment to be still and look around you. Reduce your time watching the news and browsing social media. Let go of what none of us can control right now and focus on what you can control. Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings and be kind to yourself. It is normal not to feel ‘normal’ during this time. Listen to gentle music. Know that this is temporary, and things will get better. Take notice of your habits. Avoid smoking or drugs, and try not to drink too much alcohol. It can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour that end up making you feel worse.

4. Keep Learning

We are all learning how to do things differently for now; learning new ways of doing things and how to enjoy ourselves. Use this time for some discovery. Learning new things gives us a sense of achievement, increased confidence and enjoyment. Use this as an opportunity to teach your children new skills or maybe sign up to an online course. 

5. Give to others

There are many opportunities to give to others, our time, our friendship, and in many practical ways such as donating to food banks.