Below are some tips to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing: 

• Stay connected 
  Video calls and online communities are a great way of keeping in touch and sharing positive experiences. Try to reach out to family members and friends – why not suggest setting up a daily video call?
   
• Avoid information overload
  While it is important to stay informed, try to limit the number of times you check the news by giving yourself a set time of day to read the latest headlines.
   
• Have breaks from social media and devices
  If you are feeling overwhelmed, unfollow or mute social media accounts or keywords that may be triggering – it is important to set boundaries for your wellbeing. To help you have a restful sleep, switch off your electronic devices 30 minutes before you go to bed.
   
• Keep active
  Build physical activity into your daily routine, if possible. Exercising at home can be simple and there are options for most ages and abilities, such as cleaning your home, dancing to music, going up and down stairs, online exercise workouts that you can follow, sitting less – if you notice you’ve been sitting down for an hour, just getting up or changing position can help. Or try out a 10 minute home workout routine.
   
• Make time for positive activities
  It is important to build in time for the things you enjoy – be it reading, drawing, gaming or cooking. There are a lot of great free apps and YouTube videos that can help guide you through meditation and mindfulness techniques. You can also find activities and virtual events for people with support needs on the RecommendMe website.

Supporting your mental wellbeing while working from home

Below are some ways you can look after your mental health while working from home 

• Stick to the basics
  Remember to eat regularly, sleep well and get some exercise in. Our physical health and mental health are connected and making time for both is important to stay as healthy as possible.
  
  Need inspiration? Here are some simple and healthy recipes ideas – or try out a 10 minute home workout routine.
   
• Structure your day
  Try to keep up your regular work routine by waking up at the same time, getting dressed and having breakfast. Instead of the time spent on your usual commute, you can use the time to read, listen to your favourite podcast or do some exercise.
  
  Make sure you build in time for lunch and coffee breaks. You could spend these breaks chatting with colleagues via a video call.
   
• Give yourself space
  If possible, try and find a space where you can work comfortably from a desk or table. Don’t forget to stand up and stretch regularly – you can set an alarm if you feel you need it.
   
• Scheduled socials
  We may be used to sending emails and quick messages but mixing up your use of communication tools is a great way of staying connected with your team. Try to schedule time for regular catch-ups with team members and colleagues who are also working from home.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 (May 9-15)

Loneliness can affect each of us at different times and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking steps to connect with others and with your wider community, including during Mental Health Awareness Week (May 9 to 15) this year is one way you can protect your mental wellbeing, help yourself and others to feel less alone. 

There are many ways you can choose to connect with others, whether it's going for a walk with a friend, joining a community or youth group in your area.  Below are a list of some upcoming events and activities taking place across Camden. Some are one-off events for Mental Health Awareness Week, while others are reoccurring on a weekly basis. 

• Free ‘Real Talk’ debate for 16 to 21-year-olds - Wednesday 11 May, Camden Council Chambers, Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD, 5.30pm-7pm (doors open at 5pm) Free tickets, call 020 7974 5450 or email sandra.soteriou@camden.gov.uk
   
• Tai Chi classes - Tuesday 10 May, 9.30am-10.30am, Abbey Community Centre, 222C Belsize Road, NW6 4DJ. Reoccurring every Tuesday until Wednesday 27 July. Visit the Centre's website for more information
   
• Free, guided wellbeing walk, Regents Park - Tuesday 10 May, 10.30am-2.30pm. To join from Kentish Town meet at Elfrida Rathbone Camden, 10am to get taxis to the park, RSVP james@elfridacamden.org.uk or call 07979 756 970. To join from Regents Park meet at the Espresso Bar, Regents Park, RSVP ellie.rudd@fya.org.uk or call 07923 849 277
   
• Chi Kung classes – Tuesday 10 May, 11am-12pm online via Zoom. Reoccurring until Saturday 2 July. For more information and to register your interest email scott@castlehaven.org.uk or call 020 7692 2238 
   
• Ballroom dancing – Wednesday 11 May, 11am-12pm online via Zoom. Reoccurring until Friday 1 July. For more information and to register your interest email scott@castlehaven.org.uk or call 020 7692 2238
   
• Online Exercise with Tony (via Zoom) Wednesday 11 May, 2pm-3pm, reoccurring until Wednesday 29 June. This is an online class for people of all abilities. It involves gentle exercises taking place while seated
   
• Arts for Dementia Programme (via Zoom) Wednesday 11 May, 2pm-3pm until Wednesday June 29. For people with early-stage dementia and carers to socialise, engage creatively, share experiences and ideas
   
• Talk for health: Loneliness is worse for us than smoking  - Thursday May 12, 6pm-8pm. Register via Eventbrite or email fernandezbea@talkforhealth.co.uk for more information
   
• Hampstead Heath Hands Urban Tree Festival - Saturday 14 May, 1pm-3pm, Parliament Hill Bandstand, NW5 1QR
   
• Night of 10,000m personal bests - Saturday 14 May, 2pm-10pm, Parliament Hill Athletics Track 
   
• London Natural History Society bird walk - Sunday 15 May, 10am-2pm, meet at Hampstead Heath Overground station
   

• Hampstead Heath Leisurely Walks – Monday May 16, 23 and 30, 9.45am-12pm (noon). No need to book, just show up at Parliament Hill Café. Visit the group’s webpage for more information

• Talk for Health: Learn to talk for a fit mind (online event) - Wednesday 18 May, 1pm-3pm. Register for the event via Eventbrite. For more information email: info@talkforhealth.co.uk or call 0203 409 3201

• Talk for Health: Train the Chair (online event) - Wednesday 25 May, 10am-4pm. Register via Eventbrite. For more information email: info@talkforhealth.co.uk or call 0203 409 3201

• Men’s Club – Castlehaven Community Centre, Mondays, 11am-12pm, reoccurring until Monday 4 June 

• Volunteer at TCV Camden Green Gym – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.45am-2pm. Locations include: Regents Park, St Andrews Gardens, Baynes Street Canalside Gardens, Waterlow Park, Hampstead Cemetery, Holly Lodge, Spedan Close, Ingestre Wood and Cantelowes Gardens. For more information, visit TCV Camden Green Gym webpage 

• Fun, Fitness sessions –  Fridays, 12pm-1pm at Talacre Community Sports Centre, reoccurring until Friday, 24 June