Wellbeing is a confusing term. When I think of my own wellbeing, I concentrate on my level of happiness in myself and my life in general. I think of it as a thermometer going up and down, and I’m trying to reach the right level of toastiness without being too hot or cold. Some days are a scorcher, that’s inevitable; you can’t be the right level everyday… no one can! To get some balance in my emotional and mental wellbeing I do little things in my life which relieve some metal stress.
1.) Take time out for you
Having some alone time helps me relax and shut off. Sometimes I plan something to do like going shopping in the week, so I have something to look forward to throughout the week. Although sometimes it’s the little things in life that can brighten up your day, like eating some chocolate (of course in moderation) on a Sunday night to help with the Monday jitters or watching your favourite film when you feel down. At the moment I’m obsessed with the TV program Friends and watch it when I come home from work, it helps me leave the pressures and worries of work at work.
If you have a hobby, you could plan a time in the week for you to concentrate on doing something you enjoy. Or why not try something new like Yoga or baking?
2.) Listen to your body
I have chronic fatigue syndrome and have found that I relapse with fatigue as a result to not listening to my body properly. It’s important to remember that only you know your body and what your limits are.
Don’t feel pressured by friends and family to do things you know you can’t cope with physically or mentally. It’s okay to say no, this was something I struggled with at the beginning of my diagnosis especially at university when everyone was going out clubbing and drinking, I didn’t want to miss out but my body couldn’t cope with the late nights. In time those around me began to understand and it became easier to say “no thanks, not this time”.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be listening to your body about tiredness, it could be about eating a healthy balanced diet or getting enough exercise, it’s all about listening and being kind to yourself.

3.) Talk it out
Sometimes things play over and over in my head, this stops me from sleeping and makes me irritable the next day. A problem shared is a problem halved, this saying can’t be more right. However, I don’t like talking to others about my problems, I’ve never been much of a sharer, personally I prefer talking to strangers in therapy about my situation rather than those closest to me. I find talking it out on paper in a list works well for me. Seeing my stressors in a list often makes me helps me rationalise my worries and find solutions to deal with them.
4.) Plan
I find planning my week helps me better manage my condition. It allows me to consider how my energy levels will be used throughout the week. I schedule big events I know will tire me out in between down times, so I don’t over exert myself. Being organised reduces stress as you aren't worrying over daily chores like shopping as you have planned ahead.
5.) Learn new things
After wanting university to be over and done with, I found that when it did end I missed studying and learning new things. I’ve attended a few New Leaf College courses, in particular the college has helped me take better control of my sleeping by not worry about waking in the night and having a better routine before bed.
Learning doesn’t have to be educational, ever since the Great British Bake Off was on I’ve been learning to bake, let’s just say some are a success and some bakes need to be forgotten about!
Free course to learn more tips to incorporate the five ways to wellbeing here: https://www.newleafcollege.co.uk/Five-steps-to-wellbeing