As the business world slowly begins to get used to this new norm and life after the peak of the Coronavirus, we could not think of a better time to celebrate and reinforce mental health awareness week. According to Medical News Today, mental health refers to ‘the cognitive, behavioural, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave.’ This year’s theme is all about kindness and how we can use it to create community, support each other and lend a helping hand to those in need.
From the 18th to the 24th, our team at FireTap have been tasked with dedicating an hour in their day to pause and reengage with their mental health and wellbeing.
Here is what five of our FireTappers consider most important when maintaining their mental health:
Sasha-Lee
To me, the act of giving is the key to sustaining mental health, whether it be something tangible to someone in need, or whether it is simply giving gratitude towards people who have helped you and reciprocating kindness. I am a firm believer that gratitude is a way of staying mindful and paying attention to the present moment. It really helps me to understand myself better and reminds me to live each moment to its fullest.
Abigail Errington
I have been using running and dog walking to improve my mental and fitness wellbeing recently. Running, as it allows me time on my own, setting fitness goals and staying in touch with other runners for support whilst we cannot meet up for run club. The team spirit banter via our chat groups has also added much-needed laughter. Walking the dog with my husband and children, has given us time outside of the house as a family, the fresh air has done us all good, defused the odd sibling squabble and we have been very grateful the weather has been so kind recently! The dog is the happiest of them all!
Nikki-Kim
- Exercise – It clears my head, gets my endorphins pumping and makes me feel as if I have achieved something for the day.
- Self-care – Set aside some time to put on a face mask, run a bath and relax for 30 minutes.
I know immediately when I have slacked or stopped exercising on an ongoing basis, my mental (and physical) state take a negative turn and usual day to day life tasks seem so much harder.
Exercise and self-care (pamper Sundays in my household) have always been vital. Growing up as kids my siblings and I were always encouraged to partake in afterschool sport – we did not have to be the best but we were there to socialise, learn a new skill and clear our heads after school.
From an early age, this has been ingrained in us and we all rely heavily on the endorphins to keep us moving, motivated and happy. That is why I make an effort to work out at least three times a week (this can sometimes be a challenge in itself) and treat myself to a pamper session on a Sunday. This self-care ritual consists of a face mask, a captivating book, a cup of decaf coffee and a bubble bath. This puts me in the right mindset to start a new work week on the right foot.
David Green
I believe good relationships are fundamental for your mental wellbeing. They can help you
- build a sense of belonging
- give you an opportunity to share positive experiences
- provide emotional support and allow you to support others
As someone who balances work and family life, I like to ensure I maintain healthy relationships with the people that matter most to me. I do this by taking the time to connect with family and friends on a weekly basis.
Nicolas Jones
Exercise can help your mental image of yourself. Everyone has things that they wish they can improve about themselves, and exercise – weight training or cardio – can both help to hit those goals. They do not necessarily have to be regarding your physical appearance, instead, they could be about health. Being able to swim for longer periods of time, run faster, or become physically stronger are all basic life skills you should want to improve on.
For me, weight training is a good way to balance myself mentally and physically. Throughout the workday, it can be easy to become disillusioned, bored or feel “dull”. Training halfway through the day can help to remove those feelings entirely while improving your physical and mental health.
Excising regularly will also motivate you towards a better diet, which is the key to feeling generally healthier. The cleaner and healthier you eat, the more you will benefit now and in 20 years’ time. Eventually, it becomes an investment in yourself.
FireTap Marketing
Now more than ever it is important to check on your own mental health. Ensure you make time for the things that matter to you the most.
Should you have any questions about your marketing strategy during this pandemic contact us on 020 3911 9715 or make an online enquiry and we will call you.
For more information on mental health here are the NHS guidelines for mental wellbeing
