Don’t change your goal, change your plan

Staying connected

For many, basing themselves at home is a new way of working. When home working, it’s important to keep talking and to stay connected with family, friends and work colleagues.

With work colleagues, try not to limit all your interactions to email. We’re sociable beings so why not try a conference call or video chat every now and then? Maybe you could have a virtual lunch or live stream a video briefing to your team? There are many ways that digital resources can help staff working from home to feel included and in contact with their colleagues. Technology can also be used to give staff protected time and a dedicated space to take some time out for their wellbeing.

Try to find the positives in your temporary work situation. Is your pet thrilled to have you at home? Are you saving time and money on commuting? Could you use the time you’d normally spend commuting to catch up with friends on the phone or watch that film you’ve had on your wish list for months? Maybe you could use the travel money you’ve saved to treat yourself or put away in a savings jar for a future holiday?

Although it’s important to stay informed and listen to the news, consuming too much news, and the proliferation of rumour and speculation on social media, can fuel anxiety. Try and stick to credible sources and limit the amount of news you consume in a day. I’ve added some trustworthy links to the resources section of this blog.

Looking after your physical health

It’s important to keep moving, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet and get a good night’s sleep. You may be thinking: how can I eat a healthy diet when I’m low on food? Or, how can I get a good night’s sleep when I’m anxious? Please take a look at the resources I’ve added including advice from dietitians, the mental health charity Mind and community resources set up to help people who are self-isolating.

And remember, working out doesn’t have to be confined to the gym! There are plenty of exercise videos online and, now the weather’s improving, getting out to do a spot of gardening can do wonders for your mental and physical health.

Stick to a daily routine – or create a new one

Build a structure to your day and, as hard as it can be, try to keep your work life and home life separate. Creating a dedicated workspace, making to do lists, setting real working hours and taking regular breaks can all help to avoid ‘job creep’. Try and keep your bedroom as a space for relaxing and sleeping to keep that work-life divide clear and have a lunch break where you avoid anything work-related! If you’re finding this transition difficult, there are a number of helpful resources online that I’ve included links to below.

Protecting your mental wellbeing

It’s natural to be experiencing worries and anxiety in such an extraordinary time of change and uncertainty. Ensuring your mental health is protected is very important and I hope some of the advice I’ve given in this blog will help to protect your wellbeing. Take time to relax, to rest and to be kind to yourself! Remember, help is out there if you need it and I’ve included some excellent resources below.

I wish for you all to stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Jayne x

“One of the greatest gifts Pat has given me is to not be afraid of death.”

“Nothing was ever too much trouble, when you’re involved with the hospice you become part of the family”

As well as caring for patients in our Inpatient Units, our hospices also support hundreds of people in the community and in their own homes. Pauline Moore has kindly shared her family’s experience of this. Our Community Team helped to care for her husband Carroll who had terminal bowel cancer, as well as providing the rest of their family with tailored support.

John Taylor Hospice praised for going ‘above and beyond’ in ‘outstanding’ inspection report

Featured | Latest news | News

The Hospice Charity Partnership’s John Taylor site has been awarded the top rating of outstanding following a recent inspection from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

“The care was second to none”

“At such a heartbreaking and difficult time, the nurses and care assistants knew exactly what to do and to say – we’d have been lost without them. The care they provided for my beautiful wife was second to none and I’ll be forever grateful.”

Roger Perks

“Nothing is too much trouble”

“I can’t thank hospice teams enough. From fitting grab rails in my house and ordering a reclining bed, reviewing of all my medication, providing me with new medical equipment and even helping to organise domestic help for us at home – they’ve covered everything but are always willing to do even more.”

Jackie Bannister

“I don’t know where I’d be without them”

“The support I get is truly is invaluable and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them. I’m able to talk openly about my illness and ask for advice and support if I need it. I’ve made some incredible friends and the hospice is a very special place full of laughter and kindness. “

Liz Warren

View all quotes

Don’t change your goal, change your plan

Staying connected

Looking after your physical health

Stick to a daily routine – or create a new one

Protecting your mental wellbeing

RESOURCES

Official government advice and information

Dietary advice and guidance

Community support

Working from home

Mental health

Latest news