Coming to the end of 2021 As we come to the end of what has been another very different and difficult year, and are now in the winter period with shorter days and darker, colder nights we need to make sure that we continue to look after our mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Mindfulness: Give yourself time each day Mindfulness is a technique you can learn which involves noticing what's happening in the present moment, without judgement. You might take notice and be aware of your mind, body or surroundings. The technique has roots in Buddhism and meditation, but you don't have to be spiritual, or have any particular beliefs, to try it. (Source: MIND) Mindfulness aims to help you: Become more self-aware Feel calmer and less stressed Feel more able to choose how to respond to your thoughts and feelings Cope with difficult or unhelpful thoughts Be kinder towards yourself Many people find practicing mindfulness helps them manage their day-to-day wellbeing, but it doesn't always work for everyone. Click here for further information on mindfulness from the NHS. If you want to try it, why not watch this short mindful breathing exercise video on YouTube from Every Mind Matters.
Did you know you can also download free mindfulness apps such as Headspace, Calm, Aura, Stop, Breathe & Think and Insight Timer. Click here to access the apps for more information.
The importance of sleep We all experience nights when we find it difficult to fall asleep or we wake up in the night. Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel, mentally and physically, so it's important to get enough. Click here for tips from the NHS and MIND on how to fall asleep faster and sleep better.
Alcohol awareness As the festive season is fast approaching, it can be hard not to get carried away with the ‘good cheer.’ It’s easy to see how the units in drinks can quickly add up. What might not be so clear is how they’re affecting your health and wellbeing. Click here to view a short guide from drinkaware.co.uk on twelve tips to stay safe this Christmas. If you are concerned that you or someone you care about has a problem, support is out there. You can find some useful links and phone numbers here.
Exercise It can be difficult to motivate yourself when it’s cold and gloomy outside, therefore it’s important to find a form of exercise that’s right for you. Exercising throughout winter is key to maintaining your overall health and wellbeing, as your body will fight the winter fatigue. If you don’t fancy braving the cold for your workout, there’s plenty of indoor alternatives such as:
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website
Exercise continued... Indoor fitness classes Indoor gym workouts (at home or in the gym)Indoor swimming At home workouts (YouTube, TikTok etc.)
Phone apps such as Daily Yoga, FitOn, 30-day Ab Challenge, Nike Training Club Running and cycling indoors
Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) partners, Lifeworks, also have a dedicated fitness app LIFT session, which provides a full suite of fitness offerings that make working out exciting, easy and efficient. It’s like working out at your preferred gym or studio, without ever stepping foot outside your house. With workouts ranging from cardio, including HIIT sessions, pilates, conditioning, exercises to improve strength and stretching - so there really is something for everyone. Find out more and how to download the app here. It's still important to get your daily dose of Vitamin D though, as it makes strong bones and muscles whilst looking after your skin and keeping your immune system strong. You can do this by going for a walk, run or cycle outside which will help to boost your positivity and leave you feeling happy and refreshed. Click here to view 12 winter exercise tips to stay warm and injury-free when working out in cold weather.
What's coming in 2022? We will be creating an online health and wellbeing awareness calendar for 2022 on Our Place. Each month we will be promoting a variety of initiatives, awareness days and benefits which support these topics.
All monthly health and wellbeing newsletters that are sent via Employee Communications emails will link through to the calendar on Our Place where employees can view further information. For our site based colleagues they will be able to access links to information on Issuu. Following excellent feedback this year, a health and wellbeing awareness scribble pad for the site office desks as well as an A3 poster to display in the canteen areas will again be sent to sites the first week back in January. We will also be producing A4 versions for our hybrid workers for their home or office workspace and Sales Offices will also be sent an A4 poster to display inside their drinks cupboards.
Help and support
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website