“No matter what’s going on in the world, my first priority in the morning is my wellbeing. Getting to the gym or even just going for a walk wakes me up and prepares me for the day ahead. A clear and positive mind can do powerful things.”
Rachel Gunn, Health Safety & Wellbeing Systems Manager, Perth
“For me, staying connected with my colleagues and friends while working remotely is a really important part of my work experience. Setting up informal opportunities to connect with others, turning my camera on during meetings and having ad hoc catch-ups with different people in the Group has been really beneficial.
Greeting my teammates in the morning and farewelling them in the afternoon in our online chat is also a great way to connect and bookend my day.”
Francesca Amos, Health Safety & Wellbeing Senior Consultant, Brisbane
“I ask myself the WIN question – What’s Important Now?. It helps me be present wherever I am, and in whatever I’m doing. I used to be terrible at trying to do too many things at the same time (all of them badly). The WIN question helps me stay grounded and focused on what I need to do at that moment. Whether it’s prepping for an important meeting or reading The Gruffalo with my two year old, WIN works for me!”
Justin Martin, General Manager Health Safety Wellbeing, Sydney
“It’s important to engage in a regular routine, and setting some house ground rules to keep a sense of normality and certainty during these challenging times. I make sure I go to bed and wake up the same time every day. Our bodies go into immune-boosting mode while we sleep, so it’s important to get at least 7-9 hours each night.
My top trick for getting good sleep is to leave my phone on the kitchen bench and read a ‘real’ book!”
Alice Klontzaris, Manager Employee Wellbeing, Sydney
“I’ve really tried to take each day as it comes and not look too far ahead. I make sure I have something to look forward to each day. I really value my exercise, as at the moment we’re only able to get out for an hour a day here in Melbourne. I make sure I use every minute of that hour, every single day. It’s really about doing a little bit, a lot. My encouragement to everyone is to think about what’s one tiny thing that you can do, just for you.”
Laura Buckley, Health Safety & Wellbeing Governance Manager, Melbourne
“There are lots of things that make such a difference to my wellbeing, but for me, it all centres around my food. How I start the day, keep myself fuelled, and what I finish the day with, has such a dramatic impact on my mood, energy and sleep.
I try really hard to eat the ‘rainbow’ by enjoying a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables. My favourite morning smoothie is berries, walnuts, oats, peanut butter, kale and coconut water – it tastes way better than it sounds!”
Anna Maiden, Wellbeing Consultant, Sydney
“Keep active – Moderate physical activity can improve our antibody response to infections. Try adding 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise to your schedule five times per week. My favourite form of exercise is to get into open water as often as I can; a swim, a surf, a paddle – as long as I can immerse myself in water. The physical and psychological benefits are immense.”
Warren Smith, Health Safety & Wellbeing Delivery Manager, Sydney
“The one thing I’ve done consistently throughout COVID-19 is to take at least 15 minutes a day for a walk, just to clear my head and get away from my desk. Most days this simply looks like me dashing up the road to get a coffee from my local café. On days where I need that extra self-care, I might take an extra half an hour in the afternoon to kick the soccer ball around. Or, I go for a longer stroll with my partner once we log off just to debrief and chat through how we’re feeling.
With home also being my workspace, stepping away physically to recharge has made all the difference.”
Emily Serifovski, Health, Safety & Wellbeing Consultant, Sydney
“Every evening after dinner and bath time, for one hour, my husband and I put away our phones and dedicate the time to our two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. She tells us what activities she wants to do; we often play hide and seek with lots of belly laughs, while other times she asks us to read her stories.
No matter what we do, it feels great to switch off and create cherished memories as a family.”
Tracy Harvey, Health Safety Wellbeing Consultant, Perth