Choosing happiness and self-care (health and care staff wellbeing)

This workshop is part of the Recovery College health and care staff wellbeing programme, which is available to people working in the Leeds Health and Care System, this includes: the NHS, primary and secondary care services, a Leeds based charity, or Leeds City Council.   

Choosing happiness and self-care 

In a world that often equates busyness with productivity and self-worth, it’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty when we take time for ourselves. We rush from one task to another, driven by an unrelenting sense of obligation and the belief that if we’re not constantly moving, we’re not doing enough. This relentless pursuit can leave us feeling frazzled at the end of the day, as though we’re flailing and failling rather than thriving. These feelings are not only exhausting but can also impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. 

Prioritising self-care is crucial, especially during times when we feel overwhelmed or stressed. When our wellbeing is low, the very activities that bring us happiness and rejuvenation often drift into the background. We might overlook the things that nourish our souls- whether that’s reading a book, taking time to walk in nature, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea. The irony is that these self-care moments are not indulgent; they are essential. They provide us with the energy and clarity we need to face life's challenges, supporting both our mental health and our overall productivity.

This workshop will explore personal definitions of happiness and how to intergrate joy into our self-care routines, together we will: 

• Take time to be still: We’ll engage in practices that allow us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves. 

• Explore what is important to us; through group discussion, and personal reflection we’ll identify the activities and experiences that bring us happiness and fulfilment.  

• Reflecting on our own self-care needs: We’ll allow time to consider how to intentionally incorporate more self-care into daily life.  

With the support of Leeds Health and Care Academy, these experiential sessions have been developed exclusively for people who work in the NHS, local government, primary care, independent care providers and third sector organisations in Leeds.