THE ABC OF MANAGING OUR WELLBEING

If you are struggling to manage your worries or anxieties during this difficult
time, follow the ABC of our basic psychological needs:

A - AUTONOMY
Autonomy, represents having freedom, influence and control over what we are doing. In this current
time, where many of us are restricted to our homes, it may seem that we have much less autonomy
than before. Here's how to craft elements of your work to find more autonomy:
• Set a structure to your day and stick to it
• Craft elements of your work, including working hours and responsibilities
• Improve your employability by learning new skills
• Focus on maintaining a work-life balance
• Build time for self-care behaviours (e.g. sleep, healthy eating, exercise)

B - BELONGING
Belonging means feeling connected, valued and supported by others. Now, more than ever, we need
to work on maintaining our social ties as best we can. Here's how:
• Reach out to others around you and share any concerns or worries you may have
• Ask others how they are doing and what they need
• Share the positive elements to your day, however mundane or superficial
• Ask for support if needed
• Use technology to stay connected

C - COMPETENCE
Competence refers to the feeling of accomplishment and getting things done. Current circumstances
can make it difficult, but we need to continue to grow and learn as individuals. Here's how:
• Develop a skill or gain knowledge in something
• Utilise training and support opportunities from online webinars and resources
• Take pride in the little things you get done to reinforce self-worth
• Recognise that it's okay to not get everything done

If we can work towards fulfiling these three psychological needs it will go a long
way in managing our mental health during this difficult time.
Content courtesy of Dr Kevin Teoh, PhD CPsychol FHEA, Birkbeck, University of London

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