Wellness

Wellness means different things to different people. Wellness can be checking in with yourself throughout the day, wellness can be making time for things you enjoy, wellness can be taking a few breaths deliberately, and calmly, to reset from the stresses of the day.

Wellness is something you can work on by yourself, with other people, or with the support of your family doctor. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Headspace App:

Easy to access and trial, this app provides a variety of approaches to pocket, portable meditation.

https://www.headspace.com

(Available on a variety of devices)

A thought record

Allows you to focus on what's in front of you, slow your busy mind in the moment, and gives you a sense of order 

https://www.mcgill.ca/counselling/files/counselling/thought_record_sheet_0.pdf (7 column version)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iuSzG5hFLNY06HCo1bI4ZNYyk9j9mJDL/view?usp=sharing (Printable PDF -- Flow version)

Am I falling into thinking traps?

Thinking traps are common pitfalls that some people may be tripping over without knowing, try printing out a thinking trap sheet and add a checkmark for each time you catch yourself in one of these traps!

Awareness of these traps is the first major step to avoiding them!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zd1Kt-iPF60xPR00YVn32zFG1cwfCoft/view?usp=sharing (Printable PDF)

Sleep Hygiene 

The effect of sleep on our wellness cannot be overstated! If you're having a hard time sleeping, or just looking to boost your sleep quality, consider these options:

http://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/SleepHygiene.pdf

Source: https://www.anxietycanada.com

Yoga

Portable, gentle, and requiring nothing more than comfy clothes and an arms reach of space, yoga provides ideal self-care in the form of exercise. Yoga allows for focus on movement and breathing. This website recommends trying "Yoga with Adriene" a collection of regularly posted guided youtube videos including introductions to yoga, 30 day yoga courses, and yoga videos designed to target various situations. Your teacher Adriene is fun, non-judgemental, and is frequently joined by her loving dog "Benji". 

Gentle exercise for your mind and body.

https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Source: https://www.youtube.com

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

With the added stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, the province has rolled out virtual/online mental health support services you can access by phone and internet

https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/bewell/virtualtherapy.html

Source: https://www.gov.mb.ca/index.html