Winter - a season that brings its own, very specific set of demands (and delights!) into our working lives.
From the final quarter of the working year to the festive season - and the accompanying pressures of both. From staff parties and team building activities, to the immense loneliness some feel at this particular time of year. From indulgent food and drink, to knowing when to stop.
We understand that the holidays, for all the hot chocolate and fairy lights, can be a difficult period for some – be it family, finances, or stress. So, we want to put the onus on wellbeing this winter.
That is why we’ve compiled a list of Luminate’s services best suited to support individual wellbeing and mental health over the colder season.
Staff parties and team building days are part and parcel (pun intended) of a workplace’s end-of-year celebrations. They offer an opportunity to reflect on the year’s ‘gone wells’, boost morale, build camaraderie, and recognise staff’s achievements.
But why not ensure that your celebration has a positive impact that extends beyond a day, an evening or lunchtime, by incorporating a wellbeing element into the occasion?
Luminate’s wellbeing seminars (60 minutes) and workshops (90 minutes) give your employees the tools to proactively look after their wellbeing – through the winter and beyond. They also acknowledge some of the more challenging aspects of work, legitimatising your employees more holistic experience of work.
This winter, we recommend the following sessions: 
〰️ Mental Wealth
〰️ Building Stronger Teams
〰️ Emotional Intelligence
〰️ Boosting Creativity
〰️ Building Healthy Relationships
〰️ Building Resilience
〰️ Stress Management
〰️ Understanding and Avoiding Burnout
〰️ Boosting Happiness
〰️ Work Life Balance
〰️ Learning To Switch Off
Winter is THE season of comfort food and indulgence, something we would never begrudge anyone. Everything in moderation, including moderation itself.
But, understanding that what we eat impacts upon our mood, energy-levels, focus and sleep, it may be sensible to keep one eye on nutrition during the holidays. Just the one.
Luminate offer sessions on Nutrition for Thinking and Focus, for Mood and Resilience, Eating for Energy and Body Positivity and Intuitive Eating.
We believe that food is fuel not just for our bodies, but for our minds too. And that there’s plenty of scope to have fun and indulge, whilst maintaining a positive sense of wellbeing too.
You never know what someone else is going through. And, therefore, it should be acknowledged that the period of November - February can be particularly tough for a number of reasons:
The marketing around Christmas can highlight what we feel we lack in our personal lives, such as close relationships with family or an overwhelming amount to do without much support in work or the home.
It may be that the weather badly impacts our mood (Bupa reports that 3 in every 100 adults are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder) and that travelling to and from work in the dark for months on end takes its toll on our mental health.
Whatever the reason, Luminate’s counsellors are here to offer one-on-one support advice in a confidential and professional setting.
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Sessions last 50 minutes (we recommend 6 sessions per person over a period of 6 weeks), and are a safe place for your people to talk about whatever issues they’re facing and receive support from a qualified councillor or therapist.
Our outgoings tend to increase over winter. Heating, socialising, presents, and large gaps between pay days can all contribute to a possible financial strain.
The money / mental health connection is undeniable, with financial worries being a significant contributor to poor mental health. That’s why we want to help you feel more in control of your salary by re-framing how you think about money.
We've partnered with financial coaches, Emma Waller, Justine Piercy, Lynsey Skies Davis, and The Money Charity, to develop a range of workshops on Financial Wellbeing. Sessions that can help you make some small, achievable changes that leave you with a greater sense of security and ease any feelings of stress and anxiety around money this winter.
Mental Health First Aid gives you the best chance of spotting a colleague in crisis.
This accredited training teaches attendees the signs and symptoms of mental ill-health, how best to support others, where to sign-post them for further professional help, and what to do in a crisis.
During a time when these skills are likely to be more pertinent, the value of having someone understanding of mental ill-health in the workplace is unmeasurable. Mental Health First Aiders can save lives.
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If you or someone you know if struggling with their mental health during this winter, take a look at our list of free UK crisis resources.
Or, if you would like to know more about how Luminate can support your staff, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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