Looking after your wellbeing

1. Make a weekly/daily priority list

We often try to compensate by expecting to do too much in our day. Set realistic goals for each week, and every morning remind yourself what you want to achieve that day. This way you will be able to focus on one task at a time, monitor your work, and feel accomplished at the end of the day.

2. Turn off technology

Phones are great but they are the most common cause of procrastination. Put your phone on airplane mode for 20 minutes, then give yourself 5 mins of ‘phone time’, and continually repeat the pattern. This enables your brain to function at capacity but also means you don’t risk missing out.

3. Set a routine

You may feel the urge to keep working through the night and ignore your body. But setting a daily bedtime and an alarm clock will ensure you get quality rest. A good sleep schedule can affect your mental stamina, performance, well-being and energy level.

4. Take a break

Working 10 hours and only stopping to get a drink will not enhance your cognitive ability. Scheduling breaks will provide motivation and reset your mental state, including time to exercise, do activities, have lunch, go for a walk, or just sit on the sofa.

5. Focus on your diet

Ensure you eat and drink a balanced diet, avoid too much sugary food and caffeine as they can reduce cognitive thinking and make you tired. Protein, water, and key nutrients will support mental stamina and provide higher levels of focus.

6. Socialise

There is nothing worse than saying no to social activities but then spending all your time wishing you were there and not getting much work done. We need to laugh and chat with friends to feel happy and to motivate us.

1. Lift your heart rate

You may find that you feel exhausted and burnt out. Getting the blood flowing can reinvigorate your mind and body. Take a stroll, stretch it out, lift weights, or sweat it out - just keep moving.

2. Zen out

There is a range of mindfulness techniques and videos that you can use, and it is important to find one that works for you. Mindfulness can help you escape for a short time and learn to control your emotions

3. Flex your creative muscles

You may not see yourself as an artist but doing creative tasks can shake off the stress. You could write your feelings down, listen to your favourite playlist, dance around your room, or do some colouring.

4. Have a laugh

Nothing busts a bad mood and stress as well as the giggles. Talk out your feelings with someone you trust and make time to laugh with friends.

5. Treat your body

We take our bodies for granted and heavy workloads take their toll so let's make time to pamper ourselves. Massage your hands and scalp, roll a ball under your feet, squeeze a stress ball, take a bath, and apply a face mask.