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Rest and recharge: making the most out of your downtime

Man walking down road in woodland

Prioritising time to look after your mental and physical health is important, but often overlooked. With many of us working from home, our routines have been somewhat disrupted, and it can be hard to know how to switch off.

With that said, it’s also the perfect time to spend focusing on our own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around us.

If you’re feeling stuck on what to include in your daily self-care routine, we’ve pulled together a short guide to help spark inspiration into your day.

let’s dive right in…

 

What’s your favourite way to unwind?

Work can easily be consuming, and it is important to take a step back, acknowledge when this is happening, and remind ourselves to enjoy the things around us.
Use this opportunity to unwind, find quiet and connect with your thoughts. You could do this by reading a book, listening to music, or listening to our new Solent Sessions podcast.

What don’t you normally have time to do?

This is the time to invest in activities you never normally have time to do. How about trying a new recipe or taking that nice long walk you have been thinking about? You could even catch up on those household chores that need doing!

Are you making time to socialise and connect?

Why not take the time to ring your friends or family for a catch up? Maybe get in contact with people you used to know. With everyone spending more time at home, it’s more important than ever that we make time to connect.

What about exercise?

We all knew this was going to be on the list, but for good reason. Exercise helps to keep your mind and body active and can help to relieve your thoughts of the stresses and strains of day-to-day life.

Do you have any hobbies?

If the answer is no, why not pick up a new hobby? There are loads of online classes available now - maybe painting, writing or learning a new instrument sounds like something you’d like to try? With your free time, you could try out various new things and see which one suits you best.

 

There are lots of activities to enjoy during your time off, and now brings an opportunity to try things you might never have thought about doing before. Seize the opportunity to focus on yourself and enjoy your ‘you’ time!

Remember: Your mental health and wellbeing is incredibly important. If you would like additional support, we have a range of mental health services available to you, as well as a list of online and telephone support you can access.

Alternatively, you can try out a variety of self-help resources, including the Five Ways to Wellbeing or Every Mind Matters.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.