Your Wellbeing is so Important!
As we continue with this lockdown, it is so important to focus on our own wellbeing as well as the others around us.
There are many ways to define your wellbeing, and perhaps now is as important as ever to really focus in on this aspect of yourself.
Many of us, without sport, exercise and play can struggle to feel like you can achieve or realise your potential. The world health organisation describes good mental health as;
“Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community”.
As we go through this pandemic without the something which gives so many of us the ability to cope it is important that we still look after our wellbeing.
Please use this Wellbeing checklist and each day try and tick off as many as you can so you continually keep up with your mental health.
Create a daily routine. Keeping structure will not only help now but will help as we come out of lockdown so you can go back to normality quicker.
Change your thinking - what opportunities do you have now that you haven’t before? Do you now have more opportunity or time to learn a skill you don’t normally find time to try?
Find creative ways to stay active and play. Could you practice trick-shots in your garden?
Stay connected with friends, family, teachers or coaches. Keeping that circle will help you but also help them know you’re around too.
Set a goal or work towards one you’ve set. Trying to achieve will keep you motivate and as with all these improve that wellbeing that is so important.
Engage in breathing techniques if you are overwhelmed. One that is really beneficial if you become upset, angry, frustrated or any other emotion with how things are right now and need to release some of this emotion.
For those older ones, have you tried mentally rehearsing some skills? To keep yourself imagining playing sport. We know that mental imagery can lead to an improvement in a skill of up to 20% even without stepping onto a field to practice it.
Reach out for support, my email is always available. Try friends and loved ones too! Even if you’re feeling ok, it is important to do this! If you’re feeling low, it is still important to do this, helping others improves our own mood and wellbeing.
Stay Safe!
Sam.