We have been working through the 14 points on the WEMWBS http://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/understanding-our-own-wellbeing so far, we have covered:

Optimism

http://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/tips-to-feel-more-optimistic-about-the-future

http://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/viewing-the-world-through-a-lens-of-optimism

Feeling useful

http://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/is-it-we-feel-lonely-or-is-it-we-feel-we-have-no-purpose

Feeling relaxed

http://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/relaxation-and-what-we-can-learn-from-frogs

Being interested in other people

http://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/being-interested-in-others

From feedback, as we constantly evolve and amend and adapt what we offer by listening to people. It became clear that often it's not we don't want to change our behaviour, it's just we can't find the time. Being pulled in too many directions, too many conflicting priorities making time for ourselves can slip, and knowing we didn't do the exercise, eat the healthy diet, practice the relaxation, make time for relationships etc etc etc…. can even make us feel worse, as guilt creeps in! http://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/learning-not-to-beat-yourself-up-with-guilt-1 When we don't have a lot of energy, we really don't need other pressures draining us even more!

This made us think maybe we need to reflect on barriers to making time for ourselves and our wellbeing. If we understand the barriers and why they exist, maybe we can find a way around them, or to change them. This piece is called establish boundaries, not barricades as it can sometimes feel we are being overwhelmed and just want to pull the covers over our head and have everyone go away. However, this can leave us feeling isolated and confused even. Boundaries matter for our wellbeing, and when we have several demands on our time, they matter even more.

If you find you just don't have time for you, as you are so busy meeting everyone else's needs, or, find others expectations of you need to be managed, the following wee tips and postcard may be helpful. This does not replace professional advice, sometimes we do need support to work through boundary issues. However, if this is an area you want to give more attention to, reading these wee tips maybe a place to start.

Remember, you do matter, people do care, I care.