Hi, I’m Kay. I’ve worked for three years as Assistant Support worker at Apple Trees in Grantham.

Probably one of the toughest times (and I think most of you will agree) of working in the care sector was during the pandemic. Boy oh boy, was that an experience and although I write with lightness, I take the matter seriously.

At the start of the pandemic, I began reading books, it started with one* on self-help, that massively changed EVERYTHING for me. From that one book, I started enthusiastically getting through many others on a weekly basis. What else was there to do, except bake banana bread?

Since then, I’ve learned a lot on mindset, shifting perspective, positive thinking and generally how to live a happy life. I’d love to share the tips and tools that have helped me along the way with others, in the hope that it might help Trust colleagues in the same way.

Wellbeing practices which helped me

Meditation - One of the biggest things that helped me, not only in my personal life, but especially at work, is meditation. Never in a million years did I think I’d be someone who meditates but after trying it, I found that it helps me remain calm at work in situations where before I had been flustered and panicky. Even on days where I don’t feel like I’ve got the chance to stop, I’ll set aside five minutes to follow a guided meditation on YouTube.

Reading – This has been an absolute saviour for me. Coming from someone who’d before only read one book in her life! As mentioned earlier, one self help book led to many more. I found that improving my mindset, shifting my perspective and being open minded led me to feel happier inside. (I admit to being a slight pessimist pre pandemic!).

All the reading that I did at home massively helped me at work. There are days where I think we all get that ‘Monday feeling’; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday … you get where I’m going with that. With all of the mindfulness books that I’ve read, my outlook on life has shifted. I think we can all agree that when a twelve-hour shift is imminent, a positive mindset is incredibly helpful!

Exercise – Ok, hear me out! Just like with my reading, which was non-existent before Covid, so was my enthusiasm to move my body. Even walking up my stairs at home was a chore! But the pandemic gave me the kick up the bottom that I needed to finally lose the weight that I so desperately wanted to shift.

When the pounds started going, my confidence began to grow. Not only could I climb the stairs at work with ease (climb and not crawl - oh yeah!). I was also able to bend down and assist residents with their shoes without feeling like I needed the hoist to help me up again! Tell me that doesn’t sound like a win win? I started off with 10,000 steps a day and just gradually built it up over time. I also started doing low impact home workouts that I found on YouTube. (You might notice a YouTube theme here).

Journaling - Remember the days of writing in your diary as a kid? “Oh, Timothy said ‘Hello’ to me today, I think he might like me”. (Turns out Timothy was just a friendly chap but that’s neither here nor there). I digress!

Journaling is like writing in your diary, except as an adult it’s a lot more, well adult like. Starting a journal has been incredibly freeing for me. (Stay with me). It turns out that writing down my thoughts and feelings really brought a lot of clarity. If I feel wiped out or low, journaling can bring me out of that head space and give me the assurance that I need.

So that’s your lot. Well for now anyway. I might try mindfulness Pilates and see how I get on. I tried yoga, but I didn’t really like it, or rather yoga just didn’t like me.

Further resources

There are many great self help books available through book shops, online stores, or the local library. The one which first inspired Kay was:

*Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness, by Vex King.

Read Kay’s blog at: www.kayellenb89.Wordpress.com

Listen to her podcast: https://www.podbean.com/pi/pbblog-68rj8-dd14c2