We are together, apart.

When we started writing the College’s Promoting Wellbeing action plan way back in 2018, it was a core of the Promoting Wellbeing Group that did that. Ayrshire College’s own version of the A-team (Sara insists we keep this line in). Since then, that core has expanded and our bond has deepened. Here we are now, writing this blog as a collective (you don’t want to know how many edits this took but thankfully, Julie is a grammar guru) to mark Mental Health Awareness week (18th-22nd May 2020).  

Lockdown has brought daily catch-up meetings where we enjoy Angela’s enthusiasm for smelling oils (we aren’t worried, we just know ‘that’s Angela’) and her pearls of wellbeing wisdom; Doreen being, well, Doreen (take the hint, we don’t want to take up running as a hobby! How many times!); Julie’s love for a quote and her infectious laugh (she’s almost always the first on for the meeting - should we be suspicious or learn from her diligent timekeeping?); Lisa’s facial expressions and quiet observations at the college family she inherited (if only she’d known four years ago what she was letting herself in for); and Sara’s attempts at humour and grand ideas (we’re just thankful to be saving money from not having to buy her coffee!). And then, there’s Gillian. HR Manager to you. To us, ‘our’ Gillian, who joins our daily catch-ups when she can because she cares about staff and student wellbeing (yes, we still feel the need to behave around her!).  

But if lockdown has shown us anything, it’s that we do genuinely care for one another (c’mon Doreen, admit it!). We see and talk to each other now probably more than we have ever before (Doreen does enjoy this, but only because Angela and Sara can’t physically hug her. Yeh, we don’t know what’s wrong with her either!). We are together, apart. In this unprecedented time (did we actually write that - face palm), being connected has never mattered more.

We are all trying to navigate our way through this. We can’t tell you what’s right for you, but, we do have some gems that might help. Oh! And we have had other group members and college staff join us at our daily catch-ups. They haven’t subsequently. We assume they are busy (insert ‘don’t know’ emoji here). But, if you ever want to join us, then please be in touch. We are friendly, honestly (in a big pink fluffy slippers, wrap yourself in a throw, drink wine, eat cake, practise yoga and bathe in essential oils, kind of way!)

So (you knew it was coming didn’t you?) our top wellbeing gem is staying connected with yourself and others.

STOPP! Julie has not let a typo slip through the net (not on her watch!), but, instead, STOPP stands for -

S is… you guessed it…Stop!

T is to take a Deep Breath. Yip, who would ever have guessed the importance of this fundamental bodily function - it’s literally a life saver. Bet your feeling relaxed already?

O is for Observe. What are you thinking and how are you responding to a task, situation, problem?

P is for Pull back. Simply put in some perspective on your thoughts and see the bigger picture.

P is for Proceed and Practise. What works; what’s the best thing for you or others?

Oh, and don’t forget this is also where connecting with others becomes equally important. How would someone else see this, maybe I’ll ask them? We have been doing a lot of connecting in our morning catch-ups and it’s been so helpful to get a different perspective. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and improve our immune systems (yes, really!). If you don’t believe us, remember that guy Maslow and just keep it simple! Connect to the self and others with kindness and you won’t go far wrong!

Are you thinking kind thoughts about yourself? “I am good enough”, “I tried my best; its ok I didn’t manage that today”. And remember, when demonstrating kindness to others, your thoughts as well as your actions should align with kindness.

And, sleep! No, not right now! Although for some of us, counting sheep at night is the new norm. Sleep is so important to our continued wellbeing. Take it away, Lisa! That’s right, we have dedicated a whole blog to sleep (your welcome) so, check it out.

Our final parting message is, of course, in the form of a quote. When it comes to looking for one on the subject of kindness, you can always rely on His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Take care and hopefully, see you very soon – we will get through this.

Join the Promoting Wellbeing Group on Wednesday 20th May at 10am for a virtual catch-up as part of Mental Health Awareness week.

The link can be found on the Wellbeing Team on Microsoft Teams. They also have their own Twitter account @group_promoting if you would like to follow them.