The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
The importance of wellbeing at work
Wellbeing is becoming a buzz word in the business world at the moment. But why the upsurge in focus on wellbeing?
Karran Bonner, who runs Dundeebased Brightside, an organisation specialising in training and coaching to help people and companies develop, has a theory.
“My opinion is that more and more people are absent from work due to their mental and emotional wellbeing,” she says.
“Employers are beginning to understand the importance of this and investing accordingly.”
Wellbeing is an area in which Karran has worked with a number of organisations and the feedback has been really positive.
Here she reveals a few of the “key learns” that she shared with the groups to support you to put more of a focus on your own wellbeing. Make space at the start of your day
“I often hear people saying that they don’t have time in the morning to spend time on themselves.
“As US lifecoach Tony Robbins says: if you can’t make 15 minutes of space then you can forget it.
“You would never consider starting a new project without at least a brief plan, so why do we sometimes think it is OK to snooze the alarm five times and jump out of bed without a second thought about what we plan to do for the day.
“A walk, meditation or a 15 minute chill with a cuppa are all great ways of starting the day in a positive way.
“Also, I like to write down my positive intention for the day ahead the evening before so that when I wake up I am in a positive place. This may be as simple as delivering a successful workshop for a client, or enjoying spending time with the ones I love. “Set up your day for success from the get go.”
Drink more water
“I have started to provide bottles of water for my wellbeing workshops to highlight the importance of drinking enough water.
“The guideline is to drink two litres a day, four 500ml bottles of water, is a great way to do it, so you know how much you are drinking.
“There is something more enticing about drinking cool water out of a bottle while you are at work instead of having to go to the tap to refill your cup.
“Give it a try. Your concentration, wellbeing and overall health will improve; also it helps with bloating and overeating.
“What do you have to lose?”
Change your state
“Overall wellbeing can be hugely enhanced if you invest the time to do things you enjoy and will make you physically more healthy.
“A regular walk or run can be a great way to start.
“I always recommend to start with 10 minutes and you are likely to want to continue for more than 10 minutes.
“Listening to your favourite music or some chillout beats can be a great way to change your state.
“Also, taking a regular break away from your desk will enhance your connection to others and thus your overall wellbeing.”
Karran continues: “Give these three tips a shot and please let us know if you have any wellbeing or workplace questions.”
She is running a series of free wellbeing webinars that you or your colleagues are able to sign up to so get in touch if you would like to attend any at info@brightsideinspiration.com.