At this time of year, lower light levels, unpredictable weather and less colour in the landscape can leave many people feeling tired and downbeat. In this special wellbeing edition, we look at ways to keep your energy levels up and to take care of your mental health.
Our main source of vitamin D is sunlight. From October to March when light levels are lower, we need to rely on dietary sources (such as oily fish, eggs & fortified breakfast cereals) to maintain good bone and muscle health.
Many people find light therapy useful in the darker months. Consider sitting in front of a lightbox for an hour or using a dawn-simulating alarm clock which gradually gets brighter and can be helpful if you find it hard to wake up on winter mornings.
As tempting as it is to go into 'hibernation mode', it is really important that you get some exercise as it is a real mood booster and any activity is better than none. See some tips here.
Whether learning a new skill for work, pleasure or personal development, adult education can empower you to make positive changes in your life. As previously mentioned, we’ll be launching the OnFARM Academy on 1st November. Run online, the OnFARM Academy will commence with a series of communications-related short training courses/workshops, specifically tailored to those who own or work in, rural businesses. Click on the logo below to join our mailing list.
The Scene & Herd Team are big fans of Action for Happiness - a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society. We particularly like their monthly calendars. Why not join in Optimistic October this week:
Monday - Set hopeful but realistic goals for the week ahead
Tuesday - Identify one of your positive qualities that will be helpful in the future
Wednesday - Find joy in tackling a task you've put off for some time
Thursday - Let go of the expectations of others and focus on what matters to you
Friday - Share a hopeful quote, picture or video with a friend or colleague (you can share with us on Twitter, Insta or Facebook).
Saturday - Recognise that you have a choice about what to prioritise
Sunday - Write down three specific things that have gone well recently
Based on scientific research, Action for Happiness have identified 10 Keys to Happier Living that consistently tend to make life happier and more fulfilling.
If you would like one of these GREAT DREAM postcards for your office noticeboard or tractor cab, let us know and we'll pop one in the post for you.
OnFARM Rural Podcast
For Ag Mental Health Week, we shared the following OnFARM podcast episodes about mental health on social media:
Anytime you need to speak to someone about your own mental health, please talk to someone you trust. You can call your GP, contact the Samaritans or – if you are in Scottish farming – RSABI.
You can catch up on all OnFARM episodes here: podfollow.com/onfarm
November dates for your social promotions:
2 Día de Los Muertos (Mexican Day of the Dead)
4 Outdoor Classroom Day 2021 - a global movement to make time outdoors part of every child’s day
5 Guy Fawkes Day
11 Armistice Day
13 World Kindness Day - a day to celebrate and encourage kindness in society
15 - 21 Book Week Scotland 2021 - an annual celebration of books and reading
17 Leonid Meteor Shower Peak;
19 International Men’s Day
22 - 28 British Game Week 2021
23 Doctor Who Day
25 Thanksgiving
27 - 5 Dec National Tree Week 2021
30 St Andrew's Day
Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
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