Taskade.com is a collaboration tool, ideal for remote workers in any sector. They have produced a nicely argued, and usefully detailed response, to the issues many of us face whilst working remotely.
According to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) published by the World Health Organisation, burnout is a “syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
Source: Taskade.com
We may be engaged in this new relationship to work for some time to come. Simple and effective strategies to overcome stress, afford yourself more free time and become efficient at working from home can be found here…
Some years ago the poet and video artist Andrea Dorfman produced a lovely, intuitive film about loneliness – very apposite during the current social restrictions.
You can see How to Be Alone below, and we think people will be both moved and encouraged by Andrea’s work.
New work published in 2020:
This year, in response to the Covid crisis, Andrea has produced another poem/film which resonates deeply with us all. (…does contain some strong language.)
How to Be at Homeis another wonderfully encouraging and thoughtful reflection. The gentle graphics are inspiring and restful, and the words are, we think, elemental to anyone who is shielding or at home as the winter approaches.
Anrea Dorfman – not an answer, not a cure, but a discourse and visual treat that recognises we are not alone, even though we may be separate.
Visual treats for the eye, gentle words for the mind…
Patrick Dexter, a musician based in Ireland has been posting his outdoor performances on the web for some time now.
Not only is the performance itself a constant joy, but the context of the work, the landscape, his dog and the breeze blowing through the scene, all add to the restful ambience.
Enjoy the work, and search for Patrick Dexter Cello on YouTube to discover more.
Belltree Music Therapy CIC, based in Brighton & Hove in Sussex, have recently released a set of free video resources, using music as the key element of supporting your well-being.
Explore a different landscape…
The films do not include therapy sessions, of course, but are delivered for different age groups by qualified music therapists. Great to dip into and return to whenever you need to.
A nice article from Yahoo News has just been published, authored by Alexandra Thompson, which contains a range of galleries, notes and advice for coping with the current Covid crisis.
A gallery: Ways to lower stress and anxiety around coronavirus (Eat This, Not That!)
A gallery: Coronavirus in the UK – fifty slides by Alex Pantling, using the resources of Getty Images, to highlight facets of people’s response to an emerging new ‘normal’.
Finally, a detailed explanation of the latest health guidelines from the government.
‘Whilst we are all staying safe at home during the current coronavirus crisis, it’s more important than ever that we all stay as active as we can.
Even a small amount of activity will have a positive impact on your physical and mental health, and there’s plenty you can do at home – here are some ideas to keep you moving’.See more…
‘On this page you will find some simple, creative ways that you can get moving around the house as well as some links to home workouts that people of all ages can enjoy.‘ See more…
A full range of resources for you, from Norfolk County Council.
‘We want to make sure that the people of Norfolk are kept well informed about coronavirus. This page is being regularly updated with information about coronavirus, including the latest health advice from Public Health England and the NHS‘.See more…
‘Tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home. Join the Movement and use #StayInWorkOut to share how you’re getting active during this time’.See more...
‘WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both. These recommendations can still be achieved even at home, with no special equipment and with limited space.‘ See more…
‘There are a lot of unknowns in the world right now. But one thing is certain — Headspace is here for you. To help support you through this time of crisis, we’re offering some meditations you can listen to anytime.‘ See more…
‘On World Meditation Day, May 21 at 10am PST, let’s come together for a special live meditation on YouTube, led by Calm’s Head of Mindfulness Tamara Levitt.‘ See more…
‘It’s important for employers and employees to talk as early as possible about when they can return to the workplace. Staff should continue to work from home if they can.
Employers should keep up to date with the latest government guidelines to help plan ahead. ‘ See more...
‘This guide will look at your rights to sick pay, what benefits you can claim if you’re self-employed or not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This page will help you find out what help is available to you based on your circumstances.‘ See more…
‘Many are worrying about paying their mortgage, rent and other bills. This guide runs through what help’s available for financial products and other bills.’
Advice and information from the always reliable Martin Lewis. See more…
Funding mental well-being…
We support your well-being…
Section head images: Creative Commons, Unsplash – Exercise: Anupam Mahapatra – Mindfulness: Lesly Juarez – Employment related resources: Alex Kotliarskyi…we thank the photographers…
Coronavirus has plunged the world into uncertainty and the constant news about the pandemic can feel relentless. All of this is taking its toll on people’s mental health, particularly those already living with conditions like anxiety and OCD. So how can we protect our mental health?
Follow good advice…
Being concerned about the news is understandable, but for many people it can make existing mental health problems worse.
When the World Health Organization released advice on protecting your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak, it was welcomed on social media.
As Anxiety UK’s Nicky Lidbetter explains, the fear of being out of control and unable to tolerate uncertainty are common characteristics of many anxiety disorders. So it’s understandable that many individuals with pre-existing anxiety are facing challenges at the moment.
“A lot of anxiety is rooted in worrying about the unknown and waiting for something to happen – coronavirus is that on a macro scale,” agrees Rosie Weatherley, spokesperson for mental health charity Mind.
So how can we protect our mental health?
Limit the news and be careful what you read
Reading lots of news about coronavirus has led to panic attacks for Nick, a father-of-two from Kent, who lives with anxiety.
“When I’m feeling anxious my thoughts can spiral out of control and I start thinking about catastrophic outcomes,” he says. Nick is worried about his parents and other older people he knows.
“Usually when I suffer I can walk away from a situation. This is out of my control,” he says.
Having long periods away from news websites and social media has helped him to manage his anxiety. He has also found support helplines, run by mental health charities such as AnxietyUK, useful.
Limit the amount of time you spend reading or watching things which aren’t making you feel better. Perhaps decide on a specific time to check in with the news
There is a lot of misinformation swirling around – stay informed by sticking to trusted sources of information such as government and NHS websites
Have breaks from social media, and mute things which are triggering anxiety.
Alison, 24, from Manchester, has health anxiety and feels compelled to stay informed and research the subject. But at the same time she knows social media can be a trigger.
“A month ago I was clicking on hashtags and seeing all this unverified conspiracy rubbish and it would make me really anxious and I would feel really hopeless and cry,” she says.
Now she is careful about which accounts she tunes into and is avoiding clicking on coronavirus hashtags. She is also trying hard to have time away from social media, watching TV or reading books instead.
Mute key words which might be triggering on Twitter and unfollow or mute accounts…
Mute WhatsApp groups and hide Facebook posts and feeds if you find them too overwhelming.
Stay connected with people
Increasing numbers will join those already in self-isolation so now might be a good time to make sure you have the right phone numbers and email addresses of the people you care about.
…but stay connected.
“Agree regular check-in times and feel connected to the people around you,” says Weatherley.
If you’re self-isolating, strike a balance between having a routine and making sure each day has some variety…
We are in the Lynn News this week, and the editorial headline is that ‘…King’s Lynn mental health charity committed to the people of West Norfolk’.
We are here to support you!
This describes us perfectly and we are committed to your mental health and well-being. The Lynn News article goes on…
‘A West Norfolk mental health charity says it is committed to delivering support and services to the local people of King’s Lynn at the start of Mental Health Awareness week.
The One to One Project has accepted the challenge caused by the pandemic and has adapted its services to enable continued support for existing clients…’
