Being physically and mentally well is critical to our ‘performance’ in every aspect of our lives.

By performance, I don’t mean our ability to run 100m in record time, do the limbo, or stand up in front of an audience and give a speech, I mean doing the things we do daily such as getting out of bed, being a mum, being a dad, a grandparent, an employee or any other ‘hat’ we may be wearing at any given time in our crazy lives.

If we are not looking after our wellbeing, daily activities will undoubtedly become more challenging. Things will start to take longer than they should, and our minds may start to question our ability to perform the simplest of activities. Our brains may even begin to work against us, sometimes with devastating effect.

Regularly investing time and energy into our personal wellbeing is really important for being able to tackle each day as it comes and face the challenges that life throws at us from time to time.

Here are a few things that you can do every day to support you take care of you.

• Get a good night sleep. 

We should be getting around eight hours sleep regularly for our bodies and minds to feel fully rested, alert, and ready to embrace the day ahead.

• Drink plenty of water.

Staying hydrated keeps organs functioning properly, improves mood, regulates body temperature, and helps deliver important nutrients to cells in our body. 

• Exercise. 

Being active has many health benefits including improving mood, decreasing feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. It can help with weight loss, is good for your muscles and bones, increases energy levels and reduces the risk of chronic disease. Doing exercise doesn’t mean running a marathon or joining a classful of Lycra clad gym junkies, it can be as simple as going for a brisk walk, a gentle jog, a swim, choosing the stairs instead of the lift, or parking at the far side of the car park, encouraging you to walk a bit further each day.

• Make time to do things you enjoy. 

We can get so caught up in the rat race we call life that we often forget to stop and do the things we really love. For example, reading a book, drawing, watching a film, cooking for pleasure, or dancing in the kitchen. Doing things we enjoy can make us feel happy and help make the things we have to do more bearable. 

• Stay connected.

There are so many ways to stay connected with friends, colleagues, acquaintances, family and loved ones these days, it is hard to believe that we need reminding to do it. Pick up the phone, send a quick message, arrange to catch up over coffee (if we can) – believe me, your brain and body will thank you.

Social interaction can improve mental health by lifting your mood and making you feel happier. Spending time with others can boost your immune system, helping us better fight things like cold and flu, and being sociable can help us live happier, longer lives. Connect with someone today and smile.

These are just a few of the ways that you can support your own wellbeing that are not difficult to do, wont cost you anything in the way of time or money, but can make the world of difference to how you feel.

#wearewellbeing