We're joining the nation in raising awareness and breaking the silence around mental health
Here, Leasehold Officer and Wellbeing Ambassador, Lisa shares her thoughts and own experience on mental wellbeing and becoming a workplace Wellbeing Ambassador
Becoming a Wellbeing Ambassador
After two years of having an interest in becoming a Wellbeing Ambassador, last summer I finally decided to take on the role.
My decision to become a Wellbeing Ambassador was definitely influenced by my empathic nature and passion for learning about mental wellbeing. I wanted to know more about what I could do to help myself and others manage their own mental wellness. I think having a better understanding of your own wellbeing helps combat any assumptions or misinformation that can be associated with mental health, especially in the media.
What my day as a Wellbeing Ambassador looks like
Not everyone is familiar with the role of a Wellbeing Ambassador. In our role we listen and support colleagues in finding different ways to look after their mental health and wellbeing.
I truly love my role. I love learning about people, their experiences and sharing what works for me. I feel honoured to have the opportunity to chat to people about their experiences. My day-to-day in the life of a Wellbeing Ambassador allows me to create a safe bubble that provides comfort for colleagues, letting them open up and have conversations that can be quite daunting initially.
In a role like this, being compassionate, having great listening skills and signposting colleagues to helpful resources go hand in hand.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health - mental health is something we all have in common. Whenever we have any aches or pains, we go to see a doctor, I think it’s important that we think of our mental health in the same way. It’s often the thoughts that aren’t spoken about that are the most important ones to pay attention to.
The value Wellbeing Ambassador bring to Abri
Being a Wellbeing Ambassador at Abri makes me feel like I’m doing my part within an organisation that is committed to putting the health and wellbeing of colleagues first. It’s a rewarding feeling knowing that I’ve been able to positively influence someone else. The best feeling is when a colleague speaks to me and says, ‘I feel so much better now’ or that they feel empowered to seek help. Moments like that make me feel accomplished in my role.
Talking to someone about how you feel isn’t always easy, but it can help you rationalise your own situation, feelings or challenges. It can enable you to explore your options more clearly, and it can even help just to vocalise something and then move on.
What I’m trying to say is that a simple conversation can sometimes be all it takes. For some people a conversation might be the only human interaction they have in their day. Imagine if you knew you made a difference to their day by having a quick chat - how good would that make you feel?
Top three pick-me-ups from Lisa
- I personally recommend spending time outdoors (in a safe, mindful way during the current guidelines). For me being outside is key - feeling the sun on my skin or taking a deep breath of fresh air works wonders.
- I also think keeping active and having a routine is good for your mental wellness. Routines creates familiarity and familiarity often makes us feel secure and safe. Keeping active releases feel good endorphins. Yes, I know, sounds like dolphins, but actually endorphins are the chemicals made by your body to relieve pain and stress. It’s hard trying to find the energy and motivation, but you will always feel so much better when you do. It never needs to be long, only a few minutes a day if that’s all you have.
- And the last one from me is eat as well as you can, nourish your body, but don’t forget to indulge in a treat every now and again – it’s important to have a balance.
