There’s a very good reason that health is one of our 14 drivers of form: when we’re in good health, it’s far easier to remain positive, carry out our daily to-dos, and look after ourselves. When we’re unwell, everything becomes a little cloudier.

Whether it’s a run-of-the-mill (but incredibly miserable) seasonal cold, or something more serious, experiencing any sort of physical illness can have a huge impact on our mental health and overall wellbeing.

The events of this past year have thrown the debilitating nature of mental illness into sharp focus. It’s no coincidence that during a time when the population has suffered from Covid and long-Covid in their masses, mental health has taken a nosedive. Being unwell often makes us feel isolated and cut off from others, whilst making it difficult to do the things we enjoy; these challenges have been magnified during the pandemic to a previously unimaginable degree.

For people who live with a chronic health condition, the link between mental and physical health is even more pronounced. As well as physical issues, chronic illness can lead to:

• Emotional stress

• Mental fatigue

• Low energy levels

• Depression or anxiety

• Loss of identity

• Poor self-esteem

• Sleeplessness

• Substance abuse

• Anger and frustration

• Rumination and magnification

• Feelings of helplessness

These effects can of course be felt by people suffering from any kind of illness – whether long-term or short-lived. But whatever the nature of your illness, there are some simple (and really effective) things you can do to help protect and improve your wellbeing.

Maintaining mental wellness

Activities that have the greatest impact on our sense of wellbeing are those that feed into our most basic human needs: eating well, being outdoors, exercising, socialising, soaking up the sunlight, expressing yourself through journaling, being creative, and going for therapy. 

Depending on what’s making you unwell, and any related limitations, you might only be able to access some of those activities. Think about the ones you are capable of, and what you most enjoy within each of them.

When it’s not possible to exert yourself or be around others, you could try:

• Getting some air: Being outdoors is good for the soul; whether you’re feeling up to a short walk around your local neighbourhood, or can only manage a breath of fresh air in your garden or balcony, it can really help to reset your mind.

• Connecting with others: If you’re not able to see people, try to maintain contact with family and friends through regular phone calls (if you’re well enough), messages, or keeping up-to-date with them on social media.

• Nourishing your body: It’s really important to drink lots of water so you don’t get dehydrated, and to eat plenty of nutritious and comforting foods like veggie-packed soups and stews, or simple smoothies.

• Keeping up with self-care: You might not feel like it when you’re under the weather, but a bit of self-care goes a long way where wellbeing is concerned. Taking a hot shower, relaxing in a bubble bath, or using luxurious products can give you a real uplift.

• Maintaining a routine: One of the biggest blows to our wellbeing is loss of routine, so while it may feel tempting to stay in bed all day, try to get up around the same time every day (even if you just lie on the sofa with a window open), and stick to regular mealtimes.

• Allowing yourself total comfort: Whether you find solace in Netflix, a good book, cuddles with a pet, a favourite meal, hot cup of tea, bubble bath, or your comfiest pyjamas and a warm blanket, lean in to whatever brings you joy.

As well as following steps to help yourself feel mentally well when you’re physically ill, it’s also really important not to put yourself under any undue pressure. When we’re unwell and unable to work, look after the kids, or keep up with the housework, we tend to feel extremely guilty – which has a really negative impact on our form.

Instead of beating yourself up for all of the things you think you should be doing, show yourself some compassion and accept that your body needs time to rest and recover – and actually, so does your mind. 

You can find out more tips on managing your mental health when you are struggling with your physical health here.

Coping with serious illness

When you’re given the worse possible news, mental fortitude seems incomprehensible. But for Paul Finch, CEO & Founder of APeopleBusiness, and Chair & Founder of Red Trouser Day Charity, a stage 4 cancer diagnosis uncovered unparalleled levels of grit and determination. 

“When you are delivered a cancer diagnosis with a 10% chance of making five years, the ground opens up in front of you as you face an enormous abyss. I had the worst panic attack ever, which went on for 72 hours, worrying about all the scanning machines and goodness knows what else was coming. I am a claustrophobic; the MRI Scanners are horrendous if you suffer such a condition.

To cope, I took control of myself and entered into a split state: the clinicians can work on my body, (you realise very quickly that you’re part of an experiment), but I was still in control of my mind. Yes you are submitting to the health system, but you can help them to help you by being a joy to work with rather than a victim.

Injecting fun into everything became central to my recovery, with a renewed thirst for the outdoor life with hiking and sailing. Getting fresh air and exercise is so key. I read books on how to improve my chances; one notable example is “You are the placebo” by Dr Joe Dispenza – a brilliant read if you like to understand the science behind your brain.

Seven years later I am clear of cancer, have created a charity redtrouserday.com to support others struggling with Bowel Cancer, and built a new business helping people to improve their working lives – Apeoplebusiness.com.”

Our bodies might have a great deal of power over our minds, but our minds are equally as strong. 

You can read more about Paul’s incredible journey here.

Article by Emma Attenborough-Sergeant, The Wellness Writer. Helping leaders to improve culture with relatable mental health and wellness content.