What Is Social Prescribing And How Does It Help My Wellbeing
Social Prescribing and Mindfulness As A Preventative Measure Of Stress and Anxiety
With mental health problems on the rise, for adults and children alike, it’s never been more important for us all to ensure we are taking best care of ourselves, so we can then care and support those around us. Whether a parent, support worker, or a friend, everyone can benefit from the positive effects of practicing a form of daily mindfulness.
Following this recent surge of mental health issues worldwide, our national health services are under increased strain to meet with demands, sometimes not having enough time to see those in need of support. According to the Children’s Society UK ‘75% of young people with mental health problems in the UK aren’t getting the help they need’, and alongside this the ‘the pandemic (has been) mental health crisis for parents’ (NY Times).
So what can be done to support this?
“It all begins with shifting the question from ‘what is the matter with you’ to ‘what matters to you’?”
Let’s talk about social prescribing, something being trialled by the NHS here in the UK to help reduce demands on GP’s and the system overall. This model involves connecting individuals to link workers and prescribing them what they need to bring into their lives to feel more connected to themselves and the community around them. The crux of social prescribing is to work with people to identify how they can support their wellbeing and social relations, and in a move away from medication to meditation, we at HERE are aware of the connective qualities that mindfulness can bring into someones life.
Some of the benefits of mindfulness which support positive mental health include:
Strengthening self-control
Increasing self-esteem
Improving emotional regulation skills & self-awareness
Lowering anxiety and stress
Improving interpersonal relationships
So where can I begin? Here are a few mindfulness tips we wanted to share on how to support your, and your families, mental health.
Mindful movement
By mindful movement we don’t necessarily mean a form of yoga, this can also be walking without distraction, dancing around your house to your favourite song, walking barefoot on grass to find a sense of grounding.
Even kids are rarely barefoot when outside, playing in the playground or football, shoes are expected to be worn (mostly!), so why not go for a mindful walk together, take off your shoes in the park, sit on the grass, name things you can spot, make it fun and enjoyable for all.
Connect daily
Our social relationships play a big part in our feelings of happiness and positive well-being. According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are three beneficial elements that having a community provides: Belonging, Support and Purpose.
Find what matters to you and your family, what do you enjoy doing together and also separately? Make a conscious effort to identify what social activities you enjoy and bring them into your life. Make sure every day you have a meaningful connection with someone, whether in physical space or on the phone.
Listen to your intuition
What is your inner voice telling you? It’s so important to be true to yourself, notice the thoughts that arise in the mind throughout the day, and sit with them with a sense of curiosity and acceptance. Be kind to your thoughts that arise, and have open discussions with each other and yourself.
Calming music For sleeping, or for relaxing
Here are some playlists we have created for you to enjoy at home, at work, of during some relaxation time:
Practice meditation together
This is a big one, from body scans to visualisations to sending loving kindness, inviting this practice into your home and/or classroom can be a lovely shared activity to help draw in calm while supporting the wellbeing of the whole family and children you support.
Below are some links for meditations you can enjoy together!
“Calming, Blue Sky” ~ Meditation For Families, Children and For Those Who Support Children
Get cosy, close the eyes, and shake out all the wiggles! Relax the whole body, shoulders, face, jaw, tummy, arms, hands, legs and feet. Imagine resting on a soft ,white, fluffy cloud, all comfy and cosy...It feels so nice to be here...You look up and see the bright blue sky above you... You are so warm here, the sun shining down on your face... All your worries are melting away...
“Cosy, Fluffy Bunnies” ~ Meditation For Families, Children and For Those Who Support Children
Lie down and let your whole body relax...Close down your eyes, or place something over them. You feel all cosy just like a fluffy bunny settling down for the night! Slow down your breath as you lay here all floppy and relaxed... Imagine a lovely fluffy bunny comes hopping over to you! It makes it way to you slowly and quietly... It wants to say hello!
“Happy Hippo” Meditation For Children, Families And Those Who Support Children
Let's settle in, close the eyes and relax whole body. Imagine you're a happy hippo laying in the sunshine, feeling the warmth on your belly and face! Let yourself be really floppy like a relaxed hippo ~ You are in the perfect place! Sink into stillness and peace here.
