Page 5 - MENTAL HEALTH: The Yorkshire Post Covid-19 2020 Help E-Mag

FOR EMPLOYERS
Employers face an extra layer of responsibility at the moment – not only having to look out for themselves and their loved ones, but also their employees. It can be tricky when you have employees looking to you for answers – especially if you
feel unsure yourself. Mind has developed some handy tips for managing remote workers.
It may also be comforting
to remember that all others in this position of responsibility
are in the same boat; these are unprecedented circumstances, so all we can do is our best.
There is specific support
out there for employers, giving tips on looking after yourself, adapting operations and communicating effectively and sensitively with employees. For example, Leeds Mind has Help for Employers, while the Leeds Mindful Employer network is sending out a weekly bulletin with useful guidance. As a network, they’re coming together (albeit through remote and digital means) to support one another by sharing tips, stories and examples of creative responses to the current situation.
GET INVOLVED
See what others are doing
and saying as part of #LeedsMindTogether by visiting the website or searching the hashtag. Add your own tips if you’re doing something for your mental wellbeing that you think could help others!
To support the work of Leeds Mind visit its fundraising pages and help them to work towards their vision of better mental health for all.
The content reflects the best advice we have at this time. Please do be sure to consult the latest government advice and public health guidance, as the situation is evolving every day.
LEEDS MIND
www.leedsmind.org.uk info@leedsmind.org.uk 0113 305 5800
Supporting mental health during coronavirus isolation
WORKING FROM HOME
If it’s the first time you’ve had to work from home, this may feel difficult to get used to – especially if you have children at home. But there are some ideas out there which might help you become accustomed.
When your living room or even your bedroom becomes your office, it’s easy to get into the habit of working very early or
late hours. It’s better for your wellbeing to stick to a schedule and take regular breaks. Try to clock off at a reasonable time, then pack away your work equipment (e.g. your laptop) and do something to unwind.
When you are working, stay connected. Video calls are a
good way of keeping in contact with colleagues and give you an opportunity to have an informal chat as you would in a face-to- face meeting. It’s unhealthy to sit all day, so try to find a space in your home where you can comfortably stand for a portion of the day, for example, while you’re on video or phone calls.
Ask your employer for support if you’re struggling to work from home. They will be able to help make things easier, for example, they could support you in getting the right technology set up, or allow more flexible hours if you’re working around the kids’ schedule.
PHYSICAL ISOLATION DOESN’T HAVE
TO MEAN EMOTIONAL ISOLATION
We’re fortunate that today it’s easier than ever to connect with people via smartphones and computers. Just because we’re having to stay at home and observe social distancing guidelines, we don’t have to feel alone.
There’s lots going on online that can help you stay active and connect with others, such as virtual choirs, livestreamed PE sessions for kids or virtual quizzes. Remember to keep an eye on the hashtag #LeedsMindTogether for initiatives like this from within the Leeds Mind community.
BUILD DIGITAL SKILLS
Video calling and WhatsApp chats are great for those who are comfortable with tech, but what about those who aren’t, or who don’t have access to a computer? In 2019, it was reported that 4.3 million people in the UK had no basic digital skills whatsoever, so we can’t take it for granted that this is an option for everyone.
If you have a computer but aren’t that confident with using it, now is a great time to get to grips with it. Digital Age has some free online tools to help improve digital skills, whether you want to learn them for yourself or teach others.
Of course, there’s lots of fun to be had offline. Get stuck into any books you haven’t got around to reading, watch your favourite TV shows or films or head out for a walk once a day. People around Leeds have been displaying rainbows in their windows to “spread a bit of positivity”, so look out for those while you’re taking your daily stroll!