Whilst it might not feel like summer has officially arrived yet, please let the longer days, (slightly) warmer weather and (occasional) blue skies serve as a reminder to make some time for your wellbeing.

We all know the benefits that being active can bring – not only for our physical health, but for our mental health too. Getting outside can help us to connect with nature, giving us the much-needed boost that can elude us in the winter months (but please remember your sun safety!).

So whether it’s spending more time with family, trips to the beach, picnics, exploring the forest, sports activities, or catching up on some gardening – we encourage you to find the time for something you enjoy doing.

Here in Boost, we also have some things on offer to support you and your wellbeing:

• Our ‘Workplace Wellbeing – Thrive not survive’ sessions aim to be a practical and thought provoking look at what resilience and wellbeing are, and a look at ways to focus on them and ultimately plan to get more of what you want in the workplace. They also provide a safe, confidential space to share your personal experiences if you wish to. Find out more and book your place here.
• Resilience@Work (R@W) is a researched-based diagnostic tool which can measure resilience as an individual, team, and as a leader. It can help us to manage the everyday stress of work and remain healthy, rebound and learn from unexpected setbacks, and prepare for future challenges proactively both as an individual and collectively as a team. Find out more here.
• One-to-one coaching can help you to achieve your goals at work, make decisions, and enhance and improve your performance. Find out how to access coaching here.
• Menopause awareness on 22 August will provide an outline of menopause, its potential impact on anyone experiencing symptoms, and why this topic is important for the workplace. The most common symptoms will be explored and some suggested ways to minimise the impact of symptoms from medical interventions to lifestyle and wellbeing choices we can use to maintain our wellbeing both at work and at home. Find out more and book your place here.
• Getting creative for better health and wellbeing – check out the information, tips, and resources we shared recently. The article is available to read here.
• And please don’t forget, if you work in health and social care in the North East or North Cumbria and want to access free, confidential support about your mental health and wellbeing, please contact the Staff Wellbeing Hub.

What some of the Boost team will be up to this summer, when they’re not working…

Karen Kirk says: “I have a very lively springer spaniel who keeps me out walking all year round. In the summer we take longer walks that usually include pub stops along the way 😊 I am an amateur lake swimmer so try to get out in the evenings when the sun is out.”

Amy Aitken says: “I’m lucky to live in beautiful North Cumbria, on the edge of the Lake District. As a family, we have recently started climbing the 214 Wainwright fells and our plan is to get a few more ticked off over the summer. My garden also needs some serious TLC, so I will be spending lots of time getting some colourful plants added in.”

Kim Little says: “At Christmas time in my family, we often buy each other gift experiences for throughout the year, over more traditional gifts. This makes us protect time for our wellbeing whilst getting some quality family time together. We will be getting active with some segway riding, relaxing with a spa day, and getting out in nature at a bird sanctuary in the coming weeks.”

Ashley Eaton says: “I will be out playing golf when I can… in between the rain… I am definitely a fair-weather golfer! I will also be out walking our Sussex spaniel, Isla, either in the Lake District or the Pennines – we’re lucky to have so many beautiful walking spots on our doorstep.”

Amy Duff says: “I will be doing my best to entertain my two little boys, planning some family days out and hopefully enjoying the Lake District. We have two weddings to attend over summer, one of which is in London, so we’re planning a bit of sightseeing and a trip to Legoland (for the boys – I promise!).”

Kathryn Grayling says: “This summer, my wellbeing activities will revolve around family time and outdoor expeditions with my husband and three children. Our walks often turn into impromptu comedy hours when my youngest wants to befriend every animal we encounter and collect every stick and stone he finds. Later in the summer we are visiting Tuscany, where I will practice my barely there Italian – wish me luck!”

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