Wellbeing check-in

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Just a quick message to check in... Welcome to your first wellbeing check in.

Well it’s safe to say our lives look a bit different amid this global crisis, and we want you to know we’re here with you. We want to support you in being able to look after yourself as best you can through these extraordinary circumstances. Some of us have been furloughed and don’t have the daily structure of work, some of us are attempting to home-school children at the same time as delivering critical work goals, some are on our own and may be struggling with loneliness. The scenarios are endless. Many of us are suffering bereavement and loss. Not everyone is being impacted in the same way, but all of us will benefit from empathy and understanding.

So of course this isn’t business as usual. We are all doing our best, and this is our community approach – “best endeavours” is what we are striving for. We will be here to support you to do exactly that as far as we are able. Whilst we tackle this on many fronts, we want to highlight here support for mental and physical wellbeing. We’ve also provided some key information at https://heriotwatt.sharepoint.com/sites/hr-yourwellbeing/SitePages/UK-Wellbeing.aspx.

You are encouraged to explore these and other resources that may help. Let us know what works for you; let’s share how we are managing to stay well; and let’s be honest that sometimes we’re not.

We plan to check in regularly. Every day we are seeing examples of colleagues helping each other through challenging times. Through this forum we hope to support you. Get in touch if you’ve had an experience or resource you’d like to share with others. 

Mental Health Resources

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing

https://www.bigwhitewall.com/

Additional Reading/Resources

https://www.stress.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SMS-Branded-Stress-Guide-April-2020.pdf

https://wonkhe.com/blogs/five-ways-to-wellbeing-when-working-from-home/

https://wonkhe.com/blogs/keeping-emotionally-fit-for-the-long-term-starting-now/

Stress Control Courses

Dr Jim White (creator of Stress Control) will livestream the classes free of charge starting on Monday 13th April.

All information about accessing the classes is available at https://stresscontrol.org/    

Helpful Apps

Headspace - This is just one of many apps available, however, the creators have put together a package “Weathering the Storm” which is available free of charge to all. https://www.headspace.com/covid-19

Games – if guided mindfulness and meditations are not quite your style, try taking five to get lost in a game! Here is Games Radar’s list of Best Relaxing Mobile Games that are sure to take your mind somewhere more peaceful. https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/

Coronavirus (COVID-19) helpline

A free NHS helpline (0800 028 2816) has been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am – 5pm.

#healthyathome

The WHO has launched a healthy at home challenge on social media with ideas, suggestions and tips on staying healthy while at home, including while working at home. https://www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat-coronavirus/healthyathome

Scottish Government

The Scottish Government’s domestic abuse campaign is running from April 10th – May 17th. https://safer.scot/

The Scottish Government have also launched a website for people which has tips and advice on how to cope in these uncertain times https://clearyourhead.scot/

Advice from employers and employees

ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) has a range of advice on their website. https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

Desk yoga

https://gemyoga.co.uk/yoga-stretches-at-your-desk/

https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/blog/01/2019/seated-yoga-and-breathing-sequence-to-be-done-at-your-desk/

Mindfulness/meditation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZToicYcHIOU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJH6_ZbgeWQ

 

You are supported and we are here to help. Please contact us if you need to talk. Which resources do you use? Let us know here: reward.wellbeing@hw.ac.uk.

 

Richard Claughton

Global Director of HR