Staying well and thriving during the coronavirus pandemic - Freedom Works UK Staying well and thriving during the coronavirus pandemic - Freedom Works UK

We hope you are keeping safe and well.

During these unprecedented times, please see below details of two offers of support from us at Freedom Works, plus some useful resources, to help you look after your wellbeing during the coronavirus lockdown and to use the time creatively to grow and thrive.

Ken in the kitchen

The mind, body and spirit for our time

A free wellbeing webinar led by leadership coach and shiatsu practitioner Ken Hettiarachi to help you adapt your mindset and thrive during the lockdown. Ken draws on his own experience of reversing Type 2 diabetes, plus his 24+ years of coaching to cover:

  • Mindset: How to adapt your mindset to deal with the unexpected and unknown
  • Nutrition: How to come up with a nutritious, tasty and immune boosting meal plan to suit your style of eating
  • Exercise: Create a stamina boosting exercise programme that suits you but is also effective and fun to do.
  • Peer support: Bringing people together in a conversation and supporting each other with innovative solutions and ideas.

Next online sessions:

  • Mind, Body & Spirit Dance, Sunday 19 April, 11.30 – 13.30, RSVP HERE
  • The mind, body and spirit for our time, Sunday 3 May, 11.30 – 13.30, RSVP HERE

It was wonderful to have a structured space for conversation. When you’re feeling (or literally being) isolated even little annoyances and disruptions can get overwhelming, but you (Ken) conducted it all very well and it felt like everyone quickly got the hang of the online etiquette, listening closely and finding connection through shared experiences (even from life before Covid-19 began!) It wasn’t just a place to vent or even to yell encouragements at each other. It felt as close to a natural discussion as we could get in the circumstances. I work in an extremely high-pressure environment – normally an office, now from home – and at times the sheer volume of what’s coming in can be overwhelming. At work we are often being shouted at, by email and sometimes by phone or even – rarely, on a really bad day – in person. This was nothing like that. It was a respite. Kate

I found being in the first online gathering both comforting and constructive. Up until now I’d been relying on mental & physical wellbeing tips forwarded by friends and guided meditations. Having a group that shares and listens, then sets up activities or support according to whats needed, is great. Ken brings kindness and energy to his facilitation of the group. I look forward to the dancing session happening soon! Nick


Free 1:1 business support and CV/career advice sessions

While the coronavirus pandemic experience is causing uncertainty, now is also a great time to think about what it is you really want to do next, in line with your purpose and values. Update your CV and by-pass the jobs boards to reach out directly to CEOs, charities/NGOs and employers, who are continuing to work from home.

For freelancers, people who are self-employed and business owners, the situation is challenging but it is also a good time to be reviewing and adapting your business model and planning creatively for the future, looking at what your customers are really going to need in a more human-centred society, and how you will market your services to them.

You can book a free 1:1 support session with Freedom Works coach and business consultant Chris Hayes. We’ll scope the conversation at the start depending on your situation and needs – it might be just a chat, advice and signposting, or a more creative planning/coaching session covering any of the areas below.

  • CV and careers – discovering your purpose and values, researching opportunities and planning your approaches and actions.
  • Personal effectiveness: managing your resilience and anxiety (social, financial, health anxiety) during a time of uncertainty and maintaining work/life balance while working at home
  • Business strategy and start-up advice
  • Business model review
  • Creative 24 hour/weekly/quarterly planning for growth
  • Marketing essentials and storytelling

Be prepared to leave with tangible actions to take!

“Chris is a remarkable business consultant. He has provided me with invaluable strategies to grow my business. I am extremely grateful to him for his expertise, professionalism and encouragement.” Gail Kuppan, Director, Boutique Law Services and Founder, Ginosko Academy of Inspired Learning

Helped me to explore new areas and opportunities. Chris was very approachable and supportive.

To book a Zoom session with Chris, simply choose a time that works for you and book a session using Calendly – remember to add the appointment to your calendar.

https://calendly.com/cjlhayes

Or contact Chris directly: chris.hayes@freedomworks.org.uk


A useful thought…

Here is an empowering question from life coach Heidi Ashley-Hacker:

When the lockdown is lifted and you look back at your time at home… What will you wish you’d done with your time?

1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________

As we say, be on the court playing, not in the stands observing. Write down your answers and share them with a friend or family member, and tell them by when you will do X.

Five steps to wellbeing

The NHS five steps to wellbeing are:

  1. Connect with other people
  2. Be physically active
  3. Learn new skills
  4. Give to others

Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)