When lockdown began, the Stowe Together team shared 10 tips with our employees for wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Mental Health Awareness Week, they've brought them together into a little book of wellbeing so we can dip into some tips when you need them.

1. the little book of wellbeing
L O O K A F T E R Y O U R S E L F
Looking after yourself in lockdown means that you can
help others as well.

2. Consume what you can handle.
The need to check for COVID-19 updates can become
compulsive. Instead, pick a regulated and reliable news
source and set a daily time limit; that way you will keep
up-to-date but not over-whelmed.
Avoid news overloading
T I P O N E

3. Avoid fake news and sensational articles about the virus.
Instead, stay informed on how to stay protected from
regulated and reliable sources including the government
and the NHS. Avoid fake news stories on social media and
What’s App groups. They can quickly make your anxiety
escalate.
Know the facts
T I P T W O

4. Run, walk, cycle (following government guidance), online
fitness classes (YouTube), start the morning with Joe
Wicks, yoga, dancing, metafit in the garden… The options
are plentiful. Build exercise into your new daily routine. It
will help get the excess adrenaline out of your system and
channel any anxiety elsewhere.
Get some exercise, everyday
T I P T H R E E

5. Whilst we are physically isolated, it’s more important than
ever for us to feel socially connected. Keep in touch with
your colleagues, friends and family via phone, email, video
conferencing, social media etc...the options are plentiful.
Maintaining strong connections will help you to feel
supported and maintain a sense of normality at a time
when things feel so uncertain.
Stay connected
T I P F O U R

6. Do your best to eat nutritious and comforting food
regularly. This will help your mood, energy levels and keep
you healthy. It can be tempting to eat unbalanced meals
and snack all day for something to do. Why not spend
that time batch cooking instead so you have a ready
supply of healthy food. Choose dishes you love and take
time over your meals with the family.
Eat well
T I P F O U R

7. Dr Google is not your friend, especially in such an anxious
time. So do not Google symptoms and avoid message-
boards, forums and social media posts about Coronavirus.
Instead, focus on medical advice from the World Health
Organisation, the government and the NHS. There are so
many unfounded, fake news stories out there. Avoid them.
Do not Google symptoms
T I P S I X

8. If you are feeling anxious, scared or uncertain at the
moment than that’s OK. In fact, it is normal. So be kind to
yourself. Remove any expectations of what you should be
doing and instead treat yourself. It does not have to
involve money: ring a friend, cook a meal, take a bath or
listen to music that you love. Take some time today to do
something that makes you feel better.
Be kind to yourself
T I P S E V E N

9. We all find comfort in a routine so whilst your old one is
on hold, create a new one. Plan how you’ll spend your time
and try to follow your ordinary routine as much as
possible. For example, wake-up and go to bed at your
usual time, set regular times for meals, breaks, exercise,
fresh air and those very important video chats. And make
the weekend different, we all still need that Friday feeling.
Stick to a routine
T I P E I G H T

10. A simple tip to help deal with any anxious
moments. Acknowledge your anxiety. Pause and breathe. Pull
back, tell yourself this is my anxiety talking. It is only a thought or
feeling. Thoughts are not facts. Let go, it will pass. You do not
have to respond. Let the thoughts float away. Explore, look
around, what can you see, hear, touch, smell right now. Shift your
focus to what is in front of you.
Pause and breathe deeply. You got this.
Try the APPLE technique
T I P N I N E

11. A grounding technique will help to calm and centre you at
various times during the day. Do some guided breathing (Calm
or Headspace apps), smell calming essential oils, get into nature
and listen, focus on what you can see, hear, smell and touch
around you, listen to music and dance. Find what works for you
and think of it as emotional first-aid.
Try a grounding technique
T I P T E N