Caring for yourself and your family

Published on: Wednesday 4 November 2020

This self-care week it's important to reflect on caring for ourselves better. Looking after your health and your family’s health and wellbeing is so important, take one day at a time and try to build in some of the simple ideas below or read our leaflet for inspiration.

Sunlight, fresh air and nature

  • Spending time outside especially in daylight can help to reduce stress and can also help you sleep better at night.

  • Take a break during the day and go for a walk or run, sit in the park or your garden, or do some gardening. If you have children take them to the park so they can exercise and stay active.

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Keep in touch with friends, family and neighbours
  • Go for a walk with family, cook together, watch a film, read a book, play a game or get creative and try painting together.
  • If you live alone try telephone or video calling friends and family regularly, speak to your neighbours and local shop owners and reach out to local charities if you’re feeling isolated.
Cook and eat healthily
  • Life is busy but "fast food" meals don’t always have the right kinds of calories and nutrients our bodies need. Even if it’s only once a week, make a meal from all fresh ingredients for yourself and your family, maybe do it together! Cooking can also be a good way to relax.
  • Eat lots of fruit and vegetables. A range of nutrients and vitamins can help to boost immunity.
Try to stay busy

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  • It’s easy to get bored when you’re at home for long periods of time, but there’s lots that can help to keep you entertained– read books, listen to podcasts or an album or your favourite show. Perhaps use the time to have a clear out or start a new project at home.
  • Finding ways to be creative will also help your well-being such as playing an instrument or writing.
Deal with any health worries
  • If you are worried about any health issue about you or your family then please get in touch with your GP now.
  • GP practices are open as usual even during the lockdown. Your GP will likely telephone you for your appointment in the first instance but you can also still have a face to face appointment if you need to.
Sleep well
  • Sleep can have a huge effect on how we feel emotionally and physically. Try to keep a regular bed time and make sure your room is set up to get a good sleep (an eye mask and ear plugs might help), avoid screen time before and too much caffeine in the day.
  • Perhaps read a book or take a bath or shower to help you relax.
Get organised
  • Getting organised is a great first step to helping us feel better. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge can help you write down all your jobs and thoughts, freeing your mind and making your life a bit more organised.
Talk to someone
  • Most importantly reach out if you need help. That could mean being honest with friends and family about how you’re feeling if you’re having a bad day.
  • If you feel like you’re having more bad days than good, then there are a range of organisations and professionals that can help to support you through it.
    • Speak to your GP

    • Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service – 020 8637 6279 (8am to 8pm), our of hours call 0800 0234 650, self-referral form

    • Community living well  - call 020 3317 4200, self-referral form

    • Samaritans – call 116 123 24 hours a day

 

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