Many of us are feeling the mental strain of further lockdown restrictions in the run up to, and over the Christmas period. For us business owners and our employees, 2020 has been a year we would all rather forget and now we wait to see what 2021 brings.
Last year we research over 2,000 business owners and found that 73% of them would not be switching off over the Christmas period. With the events of 2020, it is likely that fear over the future of our businesses will cause this number to increase significantly.
ILUX have been working with Mind, the leading mental health charity, to provide five tips for mental wellbeing. The five tips, launching one a day via social media channels, offer a unique insight into managing your mental health, in a simple and effective way.
So, for our Christmas campaign this year we are reminding business owners, home workers and professionals to take a break over the festive season. By taking small steps, you can manage your stress and take control of your mental health. We were delighted to be provided with some great tips from Mind.
Time to #GiveITaRest
Step 1: To #GiveITaRest, backup your files, tidy up your desktop, update your system and applications and close of 2020 with a technical cleanup.
Step 2: Pick a time (and stick to it) to CLOSE THE LID or HIT THE SHUT DOWN button.
Step 3: Follow our ILUX Mental Wellbeing Tips courtesy of Mind
CONNECT
Spend time with some different people on your five-day break. Social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health. During your break, if you are speaking to a colleague, speak socially and don’t talk about work.
Perhaps during the festive period, connect with friends you may have lost contact with over the course of 2020.
BE ACTIVE
We know it is a cold time of the year but try to remain as physically active as possible. Where you would typically sit down to begin work, take the family for a crisp morning stroll, perhaps walk the dog if you have one.
TAKE NOTICE
Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place directly enhances your life priorities. Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.
Why not declutter the environment around a home working space, get a plant to bring life to that area, visit somewhere new for a lunch with the family?
LEARN
Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.
To pass the time and to enhance your skills, why not sign up to a course or online class that enhances your skills outside of work. Perhaps related to a hobby. Even setting up a book or film club with friends.
GIVE
Participation in social and community life has attracted a lot of attention in the field of wellbeing research. Individuals who report a greater interest in helping others are more likely to rate themselves as happy.
Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that committing an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.
Why not shop for a vulnerable neighbour? Donate some spare food to a food bank or local charity. Getting the whole family involved to bring wellbeing growth for all.
These tips might seem simplistic, but they offer a creative way to think away from work and concentrate on your mental health. We would like to see those who have worked throughout the pandemic consider their own wellbeing and take a break before starting it all again in 2021.
Please share pictures of what you get up to on Twitter or LinkedIn with the hashtag #GiveITaRest and we will share and promote your business too!
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