Health & Wellbeing

Ways to improve well-being while staying safe

How workers can stay happy and mentally well-balanced in these uncertain times…

On Friday, March 20 the UK government took the unprecedented step of urging the British public to stay at home and ordering all bars, restaurants, sports clubs and gyms to close for the foreseeable future to slow down the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

People who experience any of the COVID-19 symptoms – a persistent cough or fever, for example – have been told they must self-isolate for a period of time. These instructions from the government were entirely understandable, with the death toll from the virus rising on a daily basis. However, it has forced everybody to recalibrate their way of life, to commit to doing things differently until the threat of the virus has passed. Many workers are now doing their day jobs from the comfort of their own home, elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are sensibly staying indoors to avoid infection, and much of the public are using Skype, social media and other forms of communication to keep in touch with their friends and loved ones. Some people will cope with making these adjustments but for others it will inevitably have an adverse impact on their mental health and well-being – especially if they live on their own. However, there are several measures that they can take to maintain a positive mood. • Support groups such as Mind (www.mind.org.uk) are available to provide advice and guidance online or over the phone

• Maintaining good physical health

during quarantine or isolation is key to keeping mentally well. Walking, running or cycling outside can help, although stay a safe distance (at least two metres) away from others. Yoga is also a great stress-buster and can be done at home. For those needing additional guidance on specific poses, there are several decent videos on YouTube • Take regular breaks from social media.

Various social channels are rife with rumours and misinformation about the virus. Stick to official sources of information, such as the World Health

Organisation website https://www.who.int/

• Video calls with friends and loved ones

can be a great way of lifting the mood and reducing loneliness • Join an online community. These forums are places where people can make new friends, get inspired and chat about things they’re really passionate about, such as a charitable cause,

a particular sport or television programmes. For those who like music, British choirmaster, composer and TV presenter Gareth Malone has launched a digital choir, The Great British Home Chorus, to bring together amateur and professional performers around the UK by encouraging them to sing with others online

• Learn some meditation and mindfulness

techniques. There are several apps such as Headspace that offer tips to alleviate anxiety and stress and get people in a positive frame of mind • Practise the art of planning. Often, poor mental health can result from drifting aimlessly from one hour to the next. While life will be different for the next few months and normal routines may be disrupted, take some time to write down the key tasks that need to be achieved that day. Remember to build in time for little treats, such as exercise or a glass of wine in the evening. Planning gives a structure and sense of order to the day ahead • Above all, reach out. Those who are struggling can pick up the phone to a friend or family member if the sense of isolation gets too much

To the NHS, from Hertfordshire

In the United Kingdom we are lucky enough to have the National Health Service, and even more so in this critical time as NHS staff fight for us on the front line. We wanted to show our incredible NHS how grateful we are for all they are doing in these unprecedented times, so with our patron Pearldrop, we contacted members from around the County to submit a short video to show just how much we appreciate all the NHS is doing! The video can be viewed on our website and/or Youtube channel.

https://youtu.be/FnGZfWIBSIU The Coronavirus epidemic has thrust the world into lockdown. These are very difficult times for many people, and the Herts Chamber is here to help in whatever ways we can, please visit our website for further guidance.

Our members have also been showing their appreciation through offering help however they can. If you have a good news case study to share, please email it to editorial@hertschamber.com as we would love to see what you are up to!

Expert help, any time of the day

If you’ve got a concern about your health – day or night – we’re here for you. Whatever shape or size your worry, whether you need reassurance, urgent support or help with living well every day, you can pick up the phone to us at Health at Hand. Our health information service is free to you as a Chamber member and all calls are confidential.

Some of the ways we can help: It’s the middle of the night and you can’t sleep for worrying about a recent diagnosis or upcoming surgery. Call and speak to one of our nurses who will give you information and help put your mind at ease. Sometimes you may have questions about your medicines that you didn’t get the chance to ask the doctor or pharmacist, such as: –How does this medicine work? –Are my medications safe to take together? –What time of day is best to take it? –Does it need to be taken with food? –How should it be stored? –What happens if I miss a dose?

The pharmacists at Health at Hand will give you information about your medicines whenever you need it, so you can feel confident that you’re taking the right medicine in the right way. From nurses and counsellors to midwives or pharmacists, our helpline expert team are here to support you*. Nurse and counsellor helpline open 24/7 Midwives and pharmacists available 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, Saturday 8am to 12pm, Sunday Activate the Health at Hand service at: axappphealthcare.co.uk/chambers

For a business healthcare cover quote, call 0800 389 7413 and mention that you’re a Chamber member. Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.