Embracing the winter

Here are our top tips to keep yourself and your team energised during January…

The media loves to make a big deal about “Blue Monday”. Apparently, it’s this Monday  15^th January, so we thought it may be useful to share some tips on supporting good mental health for you and your team to help banish any potential winter blues.

1. Keep moving:
   Exercise is a natural mood booster. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a workout, physical activity releases endorphins and can help improve your mood. Escaping the screens, even for 20 minutes can do wonders and clear your head.
   
2. Connect with others:
   Engage face-to-face where possible, walk and talk over a coffee. Video calls are a daily part of life now, but in-person meetings can never be underestimated. So much more can be learned and in a shorter time period by being together.
   
3. Bring in light:
   Exposure to natural light can improve your mood. Spend some time outdoors, or if that’s not possible, open the blinds and let natural light into your living or working space.
   
4. Set realistic goals:
   Remember, Rome was not built in a day. Break down the day into achievable tasks. Accomplishing small goals can give you a huge sense of achievement and it boosts morale. The book ‘Eat that Frog’ by Brain Tracy is a great read on this subject and recommended.
   
5. Look forward:
   Having something to look forward to in your diary can make a significant difference. It could be a team get together, weekend away, party or even a summer holiday. The Skycanner website is our favourite!
   
6. Switch the radio on:
   Music has the power to influence emotions, and listening to tunes that make you feel good can lift your spirits.
   
7. Pay it forward:
   Kindness is proven to make us happier and like a boomerang, alway returns. People will never forget how you made them feel, so it is important as a leader to remember that.
   
8. Pick a phrase or a word for the month or year that can help:
   At Allstaff, we like the saying, “no hurry, no pause“. Another great one we can relate to is ‘calm seas make bad sailors’ meaning we don’t learn as much when everything runs smoothly.
   
9. Stay connected:
   Keep an eye on yourself, the people around you and stay connected. A quick check-in on your colleagues can help to assess the mood and the workload of your team.
   
10. Express gratitude:
    Acknowledging team members cultivates a sense of appreciation, fostering stronger relationships. Gratitude reduces stress, promoting overall well-being and mental health. It creates a supportive atmosphere, encouraging collaboration and teamwork..
    
    

Everyone’s experience is different, and we hope you found our top tips useful.

If you find that feelings of sadness or depression persist, it’s essential to seek support from friends, family or trained professionals – it is important to talk!

A great resource is the See Me website for more advice. Thank you for reading and remember, after winter comes spring!