Protea Solutions

New Ways November is the latest calendar from Action for Happiness encouraging us to try something new each day during November. This doesn't need to be anything big but is about having curiosity and a desire to learn more. Learning and a growth mindset have been extensively evidenced as being key contributors to wider wellbeing and performance. Day 1 suggests making a list of of new things you want to do during the month. Make a realistic and practical list identifying three things you committ to trying to do differently, or experiencing. Thanks as always for these great calendars that provide such food for thought. #wellbeing #selfcare

Microstress is the term given by Cross to explain all the small stressors that we encouter that are little and often, each and every day. The big things in life we can identify and label as significant stressors, however, the cumulative impact of all the small stressors is significant - not least because at the time we don't even really register them as stressors. Have a read of this interview to learn more about how relationships create microstressors and also the physical affect of them. It also covers ways to overcome them and makes an interesting read with some fascinating data.

"The bad workouts are the most important ones. It's easy to train when you feel good, but it's crucial to show up when you don't feel like it—even if you do less than you hope." James Clear This quote resonated with me and is linked to conversations I often have with people about looking after their wellbeing. If all the elements are in place to to do exercise or something else for our wellbeing, then we will find it easy to take action. However, if we have loads of jobs at home that need doing, if we are exhausted after a days work, and perhaps we have a headache lurking, it takes much greater commitment to do something that we know we 'should' do. I play a lot of tennis and I know the days I feel least like playing are invariably the ones where I notice most benefit. I come home with more energy that I started with, as although physically more tired, my general stress levels have reduced so I feel more energised overall. As the dark evenings have arrived and the temperature drops it can get even harder for many people to take action. As we start a new week make a commitment to yourself to show up. If you don't have time for a 30 minute walk, go out for ten minutes.  It is about embedding the habit and showing up.   Cummulatively you will notice the benefit. #selfcare #wellbeing #exerciseforwellbeing #habits

I came across this quote in a recent post by Adam Grant and it linked to some recent conversations and prompted further thinking . In the world we live there is instant access to an infinite amount of information and the rapidly growing influence of AI means there is less of a requirement to retain knowledge. I am not suggesting we won't still need to know things and may seek to develop depth of understanding in specific areas, but what is becoming more relevant is how we use this information. Do we accept it without question? Is it factually accurate? Do we analyse it? Do we challenge it? How does it compare with other information and views? What are my thoughts in relation to this? Do we ask, so what? I remember 1066 and the Battle of Hastings in my first history lesson at school. I can't say this fact has served me any purpose in life!   In the world today it is analytical and critical thinking skills that we need to develop and will equip us to manage, process and use the volume of information and views we encounter.   What are your thoughts?

We hear the term Imposter Syndrome and I have recently being doing some work around this and see many apparently confident, and clearly competent, people describe experiencing imposter syndrome. This is basically the 'fear of being found out' or that others will realise you are not as good as they think you are. Have a read of the blog I have written about what it is, the signs and symptoms, and the impact on both health and performance. #impostersyndrome #selfdoubt #confidence https://zurl.co/9mhZ

An interesting article in Psychology Today about the impact on our day of checking our phone first thing. This article shares findings that evidence early morning phone use depletes our mental energy before we even start out day. If we start with reduced resources it will impact our mood, creativity, productivity and confidence. When delivering wellbeing workshops we often discuss digital habits and changes to help our wellbeing. Take a minute to reflect on any habits you have that are not helpful and take practical steps to develop new healthier ones. #wellbeing #confidence #mentalhealth #digitalhealth https://zurl.co/5jCY

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE WORKSHOP TOMORROW (Tuesday 22 October). What it is the difference between resilience and positive resilience? If you would like to learn more about the what, and how, of positive resilience, join the next of my short lunchtime workshops on Tuesday 22 October at 12.30pm.   It would be great to see you. To book: https://lnkd.in/e6Hyxwfy

Being kind to yourself is not a soft option. It is not extravagant, self-indulgent, or selfish. Being kinder to ourself, whether looking after our physical wellbeing, or quietening that inner critic and talking to ourself in a supportive, encouraging way, is the route to accessing multiple benefits to our overall wellbeing, performance, and confidence. Today make the commitment to be kinder to yourself, take one small action for self-care - whatever that means in your world. #UnleashingYou #selfkindness #selfcompassion

The cost to businesses of lost productivity due to mental ill health is estimated at £51 billion. The good news is that this is a reduction from £55billion in 2021 but still a vast loss of output to the economy. There is a clear business case for taking a holistic approach to mental health, covering prevention and supporting those with poor mental health and mental illness, as well as enabling people to develop good mental health and thrive. Get in touch to learn more about approaches to doing this within your organisation. #mentalhealth #thrive #wellbeing

The lack of support for mental health is not just costly from a productivity perspective but can be very expensive if organisations end up in a tribunal defending a claim of discrimination. There has been a 30% increase in claims seeking conciliation by ACAS in the last two years. My belief is that often there is not a lack of will towards supporting people with poor mental health it is a lack of understanding about the best way to go about it and the level of impact of mental illness on people. It is vital to work collaboratively with employees, to really understand what is challenging for them and how best to support them through recovery. Whilst accepting that sometimes people are not well enough to work, as a general approach enabling people at work whilst they recover supports recover through providing purpose, a routine to each day, and connection to people. They may not be as productive as usual and is not always feasible but generally for the organisation it is better than the cost of absence. #mentalhealth #wellbeing #linemanagers