Tips from Mind, a charity that provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem, states that there are lots of things you can try to take care of your wellbeing. However, it's not always easy to start, these tips may come in handy:

• only try what feels comfortable
• give yourself time to figure out what works for you, going at your own pace
• take small steps. Pick one or two things that feel achievable at first, before moving on to try other ideas.

Propertymark’s support

Propertymark introduced a COVID and wellbeing committee in 2020, which puts staff members' wellbeing at the forefront of any decision-making processes and is set to continue beyond the pandemic. Mental health first aiders have also been introduced, which have been put through relevant training to provide support to their colleagues and recognise signs of mental health difficulties.

Resources from Propertymark include two new online courses with valuable information on how to take care of your own and others' mental health. The courses are for managers to help ensure they know how to identify and treat stress and also on personal stress which explores what work-related stress is, how it is caused and how to recognise the signs.

Other online resources are recordings of webinars on stress management and nurturing your mental health, plus an upcoming webinar on tips to boost your health and wellbeing taking place on 23 February.

Register for upcoming wellbeing webinar

Our regular Property Professional magazine contains regular articles on mental health, as well as other useful information to help better understand and nurture your own and others' mental health.

Propertymark members at PPD grade can also take advantage of the Employment Advisory Service is also available to members which offers free confidential advice from leading Employment Law and Health & Safety specialists, Ellis Whittam. Log in to the member area on the NAEA Propertymark website to view resources available.

Leading from within, Propertymark has collated information to help individuals and agencies to make small changes to their day-to-day lifestyle and working practices to help improve mental health wellbeing, both at home and in the workplace.

Staying in touch

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with many difficulties including not being able to see our loved ones face-to-face. Make sure you are keeping in contact with people regularly on social media, email or on the phone, as they are still good ways of being close to the people who matter to you. 

Managing stress and upping your relaxation

Stress can often present itself in the workplace especially when working towards deadlines and targets and is often unavoidable. Knowing what triggers your stress and knowing how to cope is key in maintaining good mental health. Try to manage your responsibilities and worries by making a list or a schedule of when you can resolve each issue. Often if you break down your worries and stresses and write them down, you realise that they are manageable.

Mind has produced this video on eight relaxation tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing.

Get a good sleep

There's a close relationship between sleep and mental health. Living with a mental health problem can affect how well you sleep, and poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health. For tips on how to get better sleep visit Healthline’s website.

Get yourself out and about

As many of our daily routines remain restricted during the Coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise. Activity and exercise are essential in maintaining good mental health. Walking not only gets you out into the fresh air but provides a great opportunity to schedule in a phone call with friends or family, or you might prefer to go it alone with a podcast.

Find some more tips on the NHS’s website which lists some cheap and fun gym-free activities to improve your health and fitness.

Do something you enjoy

Try to make time for doing the fun things you enjoy. If you like going for a walk, painting or a specific TV show, try to set aside time to enjoy yourself.

Do things for others

Helping someone else is not only good for others but good for you – it can help with your self-esteem and make you feel good about yourself. Feeling as though you're playing a part in your community by volunteering for a local charity, or just being neighbourly can help improve your mental health.

Agents from across the board have pulled together during this difficult time and volunteered to help the NHS, their communities and most recently, raised money to help schools and families without access to devices.

Ask for help

Recognising when you're not feeling good, and knowing when to ask for help is crucial in order to keep yourself mentally healthy. There's no shame in asking someone for support if you're feeling low or stressed.

Try speaking to your friends or family, or even your GP. There are also plenty of charities and contacts for you to reach out to when you’re feeling low and your mental health is getting on top of you. You can find a list of contacts on the NHS’s website.