Charlie Smart, Operational Team Manager says:
‘Whilst social media can be great for staying in touch, it can also make me feel I’m not where I could be. Not achieving or experiencing life the way others are. It can quietly erode our sense of contentment, self-worth and wellbeing.’
Charlie’s insights are:
Pause and reflect - Before scrolling, ask yourself how you're feeling. Are you looking for connection, or are you comparing?
Curate your feed - Follow accounts that uplift and inspire you, not ones that trigger stress or self-doubt.
Take digital breaks - A social media detox. Even a few hours a day can make a big difference.
Practice gratitude - Focus on what’s going well in your own life. A short daily gratitude list can shift your mindset.
Connect in real life - Nothing beats genuine, face-to-face connection. Reach out to a colleague or friend for a chat or a walk.
Vanessa Stillwater, Administrator says
‘Work-related pressure can be difficult to leave at work and can sometimes spill into your personal life. This can affect relationships with family and friends.’
Vanessa’s insights are:
We don't always take the time to think about what the root cause of a problem is and can lay the blame at home, when the problem is at work. When possible, take time to stop and reflect after a work day.
Things always feel worse when you have problems piling on top of each other. By tackling things straight away and finding time for regular self check-ins, your day-to-day feels much more manageable.
A holistic approach can have great benefits. This approach looks at our whole being, including our physical, mental and spiritual needs. This interconnectedness can promote a positive overall wellbeing.
Amanda Coates, Assistant Director for Digital Innovation and Impact
‘I think a lot of people still misunderstand mental wellbeing as just “feeling happy” or being calm and stress-free all the time. But it’s so much more layered than that.’
Amanda's insights are:
Start with your existing routine. If you’re already making a cup of tea, take a moment to breathe while the kettle boils. If you’re scrolling on your phone, maybe stand up and stretch a bit while you do it. Those little moments add up more than we often give them credit for.
Real wellbeing isn’t about avoiding hard emotions—it’s about how you cope with them, how you process what you’re feeling, and how you take care of yourself. It doesn’t mean you never wobble, but that you allow space for those wobbles without judgment. I think we need to normalise those moments, not hide from them.
For years I have found that being around water has a huge positive impact for me. I've learned that this is about "blue health" and research shows that blue spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, increase physical activity, and even promote social connection.
Claire Tooth, Education Mental Health Practitioner
‘If you are feeling stressed or feel like you're not coping well, it is always best to reach out. Help will always be there if you look for it, whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, or professional.’
Claire's insights are:
Get a routine in place. This can help you feel on top of your wellbeing. My routine includes 20 minutes of daily stretches or yoga to set me up for the day.
Build in some time outside, especially when working indoors or on screen all day - a half hour walk makes a real difference. My garden and allotment are where I can totally switch off from work.
Join a group or treat yourself to something that is beneficial for your wellbeing. I have a monthly Shiatsu session but any monthly massage/bodywork/sauna/spa treatment is beneficial. We are worth it! We work hard and this is my monthly release of tension and opportunity to re-balance.
Wellbeing can often be used as a buzzword, but its true meaning goes far beyond surface level self-care.
This #WorldWellbeingWeek, our team of wellbeing champions share what wellbeing means to them, emotionally, physically, mentally and socially. Offering insight beyond the buzzwords 🧠