Elsa McShane
How I got involved with the PSS Wellbeing Centres and Upbeat
I’m someone who uses the service, a peer supporter and a volunteer at PSS Wellbeing Centres. I’m delighted and proud to be involved in the Upbeat Blog and as a member of team Upbeat.
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I previously served as part of the cabin crew, where I helped develop ideas for the management of the wellbeing barn at Dutch Farm. This included the sharing and discussion of ideas, as well as getting my hands dirty by doing some gardening, giving the barn a spring clean, making mosaic pots, creating wind chimes and up-cycling wooden pallets into seating to help make the Barn the lovely, welcoming space we all love and cherish.
Why I’m upbeat about Upbeat!
I firmly believe that the Upbeat Blog is a useful and much-needed resource both for people who use the service and for anyone who clicks on our page. It’s full of tips and ideas to help manage your health and wellbeing. The beauty of it is, that you can dip in and out of it at your own leisure, in your own time, and at your own pace. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with the outside world, on those really dark days when you can’t leave the house.
What I would pack in my self-care suitcase
I’m a great advocate of self-care, and the importance of being kind, gentle and compassionate to yourself. My wellness toolbox includes:
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• Setting aside five minutes each day to meditate
• Eating sensibly, at least 80% of the time.
• Plenty of walks.
• Visiting museums, galleries or taking in a show or film at the theatre or cinema.
• Reading and writing about folklore and mythology, as this is a passion for me.
• Keeping in touch with my friends.
• And last, but by no means least, enjoying quality time with my family.