Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present,aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and notoverly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on aroundus. Mindfulness is a quality that every human being alreadypossesses, it’s not something you have to conjure up, youjust have to learn how to access it. https://www.mindful.org/what-is-

mindfulness/

It’s available to us in every moment if we take the timeto appreciate it. When we practice mindfulness, we’repracticing the art of creating space for ourselves—space tothink, space to breathe, space between ourselves and ourreactions.

Find out moreThere are lots of Mindfulness apps and on line courses why not visit Linked Inthere are over 23000 results for mindfulness including videos, training sessionsand bite sized learning modules. EDF provides access for all employees to accessthe Thrive App and Linked in Learning.Why not set up your personalised Linkedin learning page and suggested learningcontent will pop up for you depending on your selected preferences.

THRIVE APP launching w/c 18 May, available 24/7 and is NHS assessed for usewith tools, games and content to help improve our wellbeing and better managethrough life’s daily struggles. Lookout for the comms and App access code.

Mindfulness at work – mentally checking in with yourself to prepare before ameeting, a 121 conversation with a colleague for friend, an important piece ofwork or task that requires concentration and may have error traps. A fewminutes to focus on your breath and thoughts can help improve your attentionalfunctioning / concentration which is useful if you’re struggling to focus at workor at home. Dr M Joshi BUPA UK

10 Ways to Be More Mindful at WorkYou don't need to meditate every day to experience the benefits of mindfulnessat work. Here are a few popular and other more radical ways to be mindful atwork to inject mindful moments into your day so you can de-stress and do yourbest. Find out more about: single tasking, some short mindful exercises, makingstress your friend, cultivating humility, adopting a growth mind-set, acceptingwhat you can’t change and more https://www.mindful.org/10-ways-mindful-work/

What do I need to know before practicing Mindfulness?• You do not need to buy anything• There is no way to quiet your mind• Your mind will wander• Your judgy brain will try to take over• it’s all about returning your attention again and

again to the present moment Click Link to find our more on how to practice mindfulness

Benefits: Becoming more aware of the present moment canhelp us enjoy the world around us more and understandourselves better. Most of us have issues that we find hard tolet go and mindfulness can help us deal with them moreproductively. Awareness of this kind also helps us noticesigns of stress or anxiety earlier and helps us deal with thembetter. Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institutefor Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a way to preventdepression in people who have had 3 or more bouts ofdepression in the past. NHS UK Professor Mark Williams, former director

of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre

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NHS UK Mindfulness

Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 confidential support on work/life issues, financial, medical, stressed or upset. Call to talk about the kind of guidance, information and support they can offer.

Complements the great things that are already happening across the business bringing together our company-wide health & well-being information and support into one place

Our PULSE Wellbeing page has lots of support: Mentally Fit, Physically Fit & FeelingIncluded.

Talking about mental health helps to normalise it and break down barriers. This then then leads to more understanding of the problems which in turn leads to more acceptance. On Talking Tuesday why not try running a short mental health quiz with your team/colleagues to get the conversation started. You can access a short quiz on the Time to Talk website here

18 - 22 May 2020

NHS UK Mindfulness

Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 confidential support on work/life issues, financial, medical, stressed or upset. Call to talk about the kind of guidance, information and support they can offer.

Complements the great things that are already happening across the business bringing together our company-wide health & well-being information and support into one place

Our PULSE Wellbeing page has lots of support: Mentally Fit, Physically Fit & FeelingIncluded.

Talking is one of the most natural things we as humans do yet, when it really matters, for a lot of us it can be the last thing that we think can help. However, it can save lives.

There is a word that captures how talking about problems and experiences helps—catharsis. Talking leads to a catharsis, which means a feeling of relief. The charged feelings within us become less charged. Nothing has changed that caused the suffering in our lives, but talking has drained off some of the pain and this brings relief.

Get talking, ask twice.How many times do you say I’m fine everyday? Even when you’re not? I’m fine is the natural response when anyone asks you how you are but that is what it has become, just a response with no thought or feeling behind. So to try and get more people talking and opening up why not try asking twice? Someone may have some troubles they want to share, especially if you are someone they trust, and it might just take asking twice to get them talking, sharing a problem and then hopefully feeling better.

How can I ask twice without looking nosey, being irritating or being too blunt?Obviously you don’t want to make the person feel like they are being interrogated but if you think they don’t seem themselves you could say are you sure?Other ways to get them talking might simply be to ask how work is, have they been out recently. Or you could just say

‘cool, you know where I am if you need me’Even just asking about the football, the weather or the latest TV drama can help start a conversation.

On World Mental health Day last year, some of our EDF colleagues were very brave in sharing their experiences of living with a mental health condition. All of them highlight how talking about it ahs helped them and they encourage others to do the same. You can access the videos here

But what if they open up? I don’t know anything about mental health.Don’t worry you don’t need to be an expert you just need to listen and let them get it off their chest. There are 5 simple steps you can follow:1. Take it seriously2. Listen and reflect3. Ask questions4. Don’t try and fix it5. Build your knowledgeTo find out more about these steps, click here

What are the mental health benefits of exercise?Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. And you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better.

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It’s okay to start small. In fact, it’s smart.When you’re under the cloud of an emotional disorder and haven’t exercised for a long time, setting extravagant goals like working out for an hour every morning will only leave you more despondent if you fall short. Better to set achievable goals and build up from there. Even a short, 15-minute walk can help clear your mind, improve your mood, and boost your energy level. As you move and start to feel a little better, you’ll experience a greater sense of control over your well-being. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise.htm

The Mental Health Benefits of ExerciseYou already know that exercise is good for your body. But did you know it’s also effective in dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and more? The diagram opposite shows the many physical and mental health benefits to walking for 30 mins per day.

Do a litter pick

(Children Optional)

Play

Just walk Send us your photos for our Mental Health

Activity collage

NHS UK Mindfulness

Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 confidential support on work/life issues, financial, medical, stressed or upset. Call to talk about the kind of guidance, information and support they can offer.

Complements the great things that are already happening across the business bringing together our company-wide health & well-being information and support into one place

Our PULSE Wellbeing page has lots of support: Mentally Fit, Physically Fit & FeelingIncluded.

It is so important in these stressful times to recognisewhat we are thankful for. Did you know that beingthankful is the single most powerful tool we can allimplement to improve mental health and wellness?

Thanks to all the key workers including all our EDF colleagues whether they are keeping the lights on at one of our power plants, helping customers on the phone, delivering vital supplies within the community, supporting our customer facing teams we would love for everyone to clap at 2pm. If you are on a call please stamp your feet in recognition of the fantastic work you all do day in day out and help us all to feel Thankful!

At the start of the day right a list of everything you are grateful for could be the health of your family, your own wellbeing, support from your colleagues. Keep it safe and refer back whenever you feel you want to reflect on positives. Please add your list to Yammer so you can

share with your colleagues

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Thank someone today who you appreciate. It could be your partner, Manager, colleagues and of course your customers.

Don’t forget Linkedin Learning have courses on positive thinking and wellbeing – some really interesting messages and ideas.

NHS UK Mindfulness

Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 confidential support on work/life issues, financial, medical, stressed or upset. Call to talk about the kind of guidance, information and support they can offer.

Complements the great things that are already happening across the business bringing together our company-wide health & well-being information and support into one place

Our PULSE Wellbeing page has lots of support: Mentally Fit, Physically Fit & FeelingIncluded.

Do you want to be more thankful? There are lots of benefits to practicing thankfulness — for starters, you will be a happier person who is more content with their life. There are lots of different ways you can be more grateful. You can keep a gratitude journal, or you can practice saying “thank you” to one person every day.Practicing gratitude is one of the fastest ways to improve your life. Check out the following eight amazing things that will happen when you start to practice gratitude. You can find out more here

Start as you mean to go on - Arranging regular video &phone calls with your family or friends can help you feelsocially connected to them, despite the physical distancebetween you. Begin your day chatting to a friend or lovedone. This can help put you in a positive mood for the dayahead.

Have fun – Why not organise some of the followingvirtually with friends and family:

• Quiz/games night• Dance party• Exercise class• Netflix party• Cooking class

These can be great ways to connect with friends and familythat aren’t in your household and enjoyable activities toswitch off from your day.

Example of free quizzes from the Mental HealthFoundation:

Music

Movies

SportsDecades

Video Chatting Apps

• FaceTime• WhatsApp• Facebook Messenger• Skype • Zoom• Google Hangouts

Take a break - Reach out to a friend or family member and enjoy a cuppa/lunch/dinner at the same time. This can be done virtually via the wonders of technology, or if you’re in the office while complying to the 2m social distancing measures.

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Buddy with an individual across the business – connect with others across the business who are in a similar position to yourself (WFH by yourself / WFH with children / self isolating due to ‘vulnerable’ status or where individuals are ‘shielding’ / not WFH etc. This allows conversations relevant to your scenario with connection via Skype/ whatsapp/ phone; as agreed. This allows people to connect on a personal level but also provides an opportunity to gain wider business/role related knowledge.

NHS UK Mindfulness

Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 confidential support on work/life issues, financial, medical, stressed or upset. Call to talk about the kind of guidance, information and support they can offer.

Complements the great things that are already happening across the business bringing together our company-wide health & well-being information and support into one place

Our PULSE Wellbeing page has lots of support: Mentally Fit, Physically Fit & FeelingIncluded.

Have a bit of fun and join “International

Self Isolation Hide & Seek

Championship” Facebook Group

18 - 22 May 2020

In a world of constant chaos, it can sometimes be difficult to find ways to avoid burn out and to help yourself feel rejuvenated and reenergised. That is where the role of indulgence comes in. Doing something nice for yourself is an easy way to hit your internal ‘reset’ button and to motivate you to keep up with all the hard work that goes into your day-to-day life. Here are some ideas to get you thinking and reasons why a little bit of SELFIE time is good for you.

It’ll boost your moodNo one wants to be a grump, but let’s face it — we all get into slumps once in a while – to turn a frown upside down, treat yourself in some way, whether it be big or small.

It reduces stressSelf-care is an important part of stress management, and treating yourself can do wonders when it comes to reducing your stress levels. Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, both physically and mentally.

You come firstIt’s not always easy to prioritize yourself amidst a busy life filled with hustle and bustle. But doing so ensures that you will reduce your stress, boost your mood, and help promote healthy habits throughout your life. Use this opportunity to treat yourself to something fun, relaxing, and completely indulgent -you deserve it!Indulge

Walk the dog

Pamper

Relax with the cat

Watch an old

football match

Binge on a box set

Read a book

NHS UK Mindfulness

Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 confidential support on work/life issues, financial, medical, stressed or upset. Call to talk about the kind of guidance, information and support they can offer.

Complements the great things that are already happening across the business bringing together our company-wide health & well-being information and support into one place

Our PULSE Wellbeing page has lots of support: Mentally Fit, Physically Fit & FeelingIncluded.

18 - 22 May 2020

Sharing is good for you, it helps us to build relationships, we do it all the time when making friends. Sharing your experiences can help you come to terms with something, better understand something about yourself better and best of all helps supports others when we share knowledge and experience

Sharing feels good When you give your time, love, friendship, advice, what you are really doing is expressing who you are. It can make you feel vulnerable, like you are loosing something… but the opposite is true, you are gaining something… when we share it releases oxytocin in our brains which truly does make us feel better!

Sharing makes life more realWhen you share events, good things or bad things, sharing with others brings them to life. When we hold things in, its too easy to drown in our own thoughts and can make us feel disconnected and isolated. Sharing your life experience or learning from others who have been through similar experiences helps us know we are not alone.

Sharing makes us grateful How many times have you been trying to do something and someone offers you a tip of information, all you need to solve the problem.In these moments we are grateful for the help, how many times do we stop and acknowledge it. Counting your blessings really does work, they don’t have to be big things, take time to reflect on it, remember it and even better, pass on a good deed, that way it grows! The more we share the more gratitude we bring into our lives.

Share on Social MediaRespond and support friends

posts on social media

Share a mealShare your day’s experiences round the actual or virtual table. Be in the moment with friends and family and truly share the experience

Share your

feelingsBe honest, open

up… find the time to talk and to listen

NHS UK Mindfulness

Employee Assistance Programme - free 24/7 confidential support on work/life issues, financial, medical, stressed or upset. Call to talk about the kind of guidance, information and support they can offer.

Complements the great things that are already happening across the business bringing together our company-wide health & well-being information and support into one place

Our PULSE Wellbeing page has lots of support: Mentally Fit, Physically Fit & FeelingIncluded.