Going Away While Staying Home
Or How to Refresh And Recharge Your Surroundings
The best thing for our mental and physical health can be to step back. If you’re stuck for ways to switch things up and get away, we’re here to help.
It’s been a long couple of years. We’ve all had our ups and downs - at times, many of us have felt like we’ve just been pushing through day after day. It’s time to take your foot off the accelerator and relax... But how exactly do we do that these days?
Getting away sounds so stressful - where do you go, how far do you need to travel, are there new rules and customs you need to learn going somewhere new? Panic mode activated!
If you feel like you can’t see the wood for the trees, switching up environments in your own city is a great way to refresh and regain some perspective. Research has found that taking breaks restores your mental and physical functions to their baseline, a form of mental wellbeing training that combats burnout and increases happiness. Uplifting our mental health promotes a sense of mindfulness in the workplace and our personal sphere.
From a small change in routine, to mental escapes, to exploring the world around you - we’ve put together some wellbeing ideas for staff and individuals to help you take a break.
1. Work Somewhere New
Mindfulness takes many different forms unique to every individual, and so does getting away. Ask yourself - what is mindfulness to you? It could be a complete upheaval of your daily life, as far away from what you know as possible… Or, if that sounds overwhelming, you could start small with a different workspace.
There are many benefits of mindfulness in the workplace, but what about outside of the workspace? New surroundings can do wonders for our own personal focus, as well as further develop staff wellbeing policy.
If you’re a hybrid or remote worker, instead of working at the office or home, consider trying…
A public workspace
A member’s club
A coffee shop
Your local library
An arts centre
The café of a museum or gallery
A bookshop
Working from home can be distracting, and making the distinction between the personal and the professional blurry. On the flipside, a new remote workspace can increase concentration and productivity by up to 77%. It’s really the best of both worlds - you benefit from a change in scenery, whilst retaining the structure and professionalism of a traditional workspace.
And if you live in Leeds or nearby, there are a couple of free coworking space options available too, such as the Santander Work Cafe on Park Row or Virgin Money Coworking space on Briggate!
This small but mighty change in routine works wonders for your all-around health and happiness. Win-win!
2. Retreat In Your Mind
“Taking a break can lead to breakthroughs.” - Russel Eric Dobda
Not everyone can work remotely or has access to an alternative working environment. Mindfulness and wellbeing training is still important, at work and at home, but if you can’t get away physically, try getting away mentally.
Of course, we all daydream sometimes, but going away via the mind has more to it than that. It’s purposeful, mindful thoughts that construct a relaxing environment in our heads. There are plenty of ways to take a quick mental break that freshen us up and restore our wellbeing throughout the day:
Listen to your favourite song
Read something positive
Say affirmations and reminders to yourself
Meditate
Take a walk
Physical exercise - light or active, depending on your preference
Do a non-digital activity (check out our blog on disconnecting for ideas)
(Bonus: you don’t have to deal with passports, petrol, or other people!)
These simple mindfulness examples are a perfect way to break old habits and build new ones. A great way to regularly step away from routine, encourage creativity and innovative thinking, and improve your mood… All grounded to yourself and your home city.
3. Take A Staycation
If you want to get out of your head, but not out of your city, we’ve got some great staycation suggestions for you.
We can eat, sleep, work, and repeat the same monotonous routine every day in our own cities, without ever really knowing what’s right on our doorstep. Play tourist at home for a fresh take that revitalises you and the place you spend the most time.
Check out what’s available in your local town; or take a look at this list all about new ways to discover Leeds:
Take a walk around an area you’ve never been before
Try an independent coffee shop you’re yet to visit
Ride a water taxi down the canal
Take a tour around the Headingley Stadium
Join a Workers Lunchtime tour and explore the city
Head to the Leeds Art Gallery
Discover historical treasures at the Leeds City Museum
Have a picnic outdoors
Read a book in The Leeds Library
…And that’s just the beginning. Do some research about what’s on in your local area, and soon you’ll be uncovering hidden gems you had no idea were all around. Much less stressful and much more relaxing.
Get In Touch
All that is left to you is to choose what to do! So many options, so much to do, and so many ways to take a break. And breathe…
Mind It are experts at making corporate wellbeing a priority in a way that uplifts employees and encourages resilience and wellbeing training. Get away from routine and practice wellbeing activities with our corporate mindfulness programmes and mental health workshops, webinars, and training.
To learn more, or for any general enquiries, get in touch with us at info@mind-it.co.uk
