Look after your mental health and wellbeing

Updated November 2021

Stress and anxiety can occur at any time and it’s vital for all of us to take steps to take care of our mental health and wellbeing.

Many organisations are making resources available for free to help with this – these include apps, audio guides, videos and online courses.

Here is just a small selection for you to check out to see what may work best for you (please note that these are not endorsed by the GOsC, this is a round-up from external sources):

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB):
As well as providing information and updates on the support available for businesses and the self-employed, the FSB has compiled seven short tips to help you check in with yourself for your mental health and wellbeing.
Find out more

NHS Every Mind Matters:
Has a list of 10 practical tips with links to further sources of information for mental wellbeing for anyone staying at home if you are self-isolating. Find out more

Also has some tips for little things we can all do for our mental health. Find out more

BBC:
This article from the BBC includes advice and resources from a number of organisations. It also includes advice to limit news and social-media checking to a certain time each day, and how to avoid burnout in the weeks and months ahead. Find out more

UK Government:
On GOV.UK you can still read guidance published by Public Health England (as was) which includes recommendations to talk about worries, connect with others and to look after your physical wellbeing and sleep. Plus links to further government-approved resources and information (although note that this guidance was ‘withdrawn’ on 19 July 2021). Find out more

Stonewall:
Stonewall has collated a list of LGBT-inclusive organisations and support services who are ready to listen and give advice, however you have been affected. Find out more

Mashable UK:
Lists seven meditation and mindfulness apps, podcasts and other free tools to help manage coronavirus anxiety, including Headspace, Calm and Ten Percent Happier. Find out more

Mind Matters Most – Anapana meditation to help personal resilience
Recommended by osteopath Katy Teasdale, Anapana means observation of natural respiration. It is an easy-to-learn technique that helps develop concentration of the mind. Anapana provides a tool to deal with fears, anxieties and pressures. There is no charge for attending. Find out more

Facebook group:
You might also want to join the Facebook group: Let'sTalkOsteopathy, set up by the professional body, the Institute of Osteopathy, which is providing some community support to help people deal with the crisis. It is open to all osteopaths, not just iO members.

If you have any feedback on these resources or suggestions for others you have come across that we could include in this list, please feel free to email them to covid19@osteopathy.org.uk