Welcome to our new series of bitesize blogs containing quick tips and ideas to help you build resilience and boost wellbeing at a glance. In this one, we look at how the importance of having a personal wellbeing plan in place.
As we continue to face an array of challenges through this uncertain time and our energy is focused on trying to keep things on track as far as possible, it could be easy to forget about our wellbeing.
Making a wellbeing plan will keep your physical, mental and emotional health at the top of your priority list. This will help you to manage and survive challenges, recover from setbacks and bounce back.
To create your wellbeing plan follow these simple steps:
Think back over the last 3 months and take a moment to reflect on what has helped you to cope. There may be skills and strategies that you have learned to manage anxiety or stress. You may have had to change your exercise routine or your diet. Perhaps you have revisited old hobbies or discovered new ones. You have probably had to find new ways to keep in contact with family and friends.
Write down 2 or 3 things that have been most helpful and that you would like to continue.
For each, ask yourself:
How does doing this fit with my values in life?
Setting goals that help you move towards the life you want, or be the person you want to be will help you maintain motivation.
What will get in the way of me continuing with this?
Identifying factors that prevent us from moving towards our goals helps us to plan for any hurdles. Perhaps time will be an issue, or motivation. Which negative thoughts might get in the way?
How will I overcome these barriers?
This may involve scheduling time for the activity, enlisting the support and encouragement of a friend, or planning rewards when you have done it.
Now ask yourself:
What can I do today to move me towards my goal?
Identifying a small step in the direction of your goal will increase the likelihood that you will achieve it.
Remember the three R’s of wellbeing: Rest, Recreation and Relationship. Make sure to create space in your wellbeing plan to include activities in each of these three domains.
If you found this helpful and would like to read more bitesize tips, check out some of the other blogs in this series. You might also like to join our Facebook group UR Resilient, where members are busy sharing creative and inspiring ideas for staying positive during this challenging time.
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