NEWS


SELF-CARE FOR PARENTS


vital – and there is no quick fix. However, there are behaviours you can practice and cultivate to improve your inner wellbeing every day. With many parents


having limited time and energy, it is important to be intentional about prioritising mental health. We all have the responsibility to look


It is a challenge finding the time for self- care as a parent or a carer whilst trying to strike the perfect work/life balance. To take care of others, you have to take care of yourself first. Parent Mental Health Day, which falls on 27 January each year, is all about recognising the importance of mental health and how it can affect families. Parents are expected to do their absolute best for their children and often put their needs above their own. Self-care means taking actions that lead


to happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives, including steps to look after our mental health. Caring for your mental health is


after our own health and recognise the benefits, especially when it comes to simple activities, such as walking, or gardening,


“Caring for your mental health is vital – and there is no quick fix. But you can improve your inner wellbeing every day”


• Nurture yourself. Take care of your basic needs, such as regularly eating nutrient-


which can help maintain wellbeing. Here are some tips on how you can look after your wellbeing:


rich foods and moving your body. What we eat can affect work performance, energy levels, moods, and how we age, as mentioned by Oscar Kilo. Visit Oscar


WORLD CANCER DAY This year on World Cancer Day, equality is the focus


On 4 February, World Cancer Day was observed across the UK with ‘Close the Gap’ as this year’s theme. Since 2000, World Cancer Day has seen hundreds of activities taking place around the UK to raise awareness and educate society about cancer, with the aim of eventually living in a world where cancer is preventable and curable. Detecting cancer early is one of the most significant preventative measures. More than one-third of cancers are treatable, but education and access to information are still not available for all.


04 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2023 In some areas, a lack of funding has had


massive implications on the level of care and service offered to cancer patients. Demands to make funds more accessible have been referred back for Government review, as everyone should have equal access to appropriate care, support, and treatment. There are still people of a certain age or gender living in some parts of the UK who do not have the correct levels of support and care for cancer, which is unacceptable. Everyone has the right to be treated equally and not by a postcode lottery.


Encouraging people to come together


and talk about these issues, and get involved in the events that are taking place, puts the focus on key areas that struggle for attention. One day, hopefully we can ‘Close the Gap’ on cancer once and for all.


To find out more about World Cancer Day, and what you can do help, go to: www.worldcancerday.org


Parent Mental Health Day is focusing on self-care and work-life balance this year


• Make little swaps that will benefit you, such as putting your phone away before


Kilo for advice on nutrition for wellbeing: www.oscarkilo.org.uk/news/nutrition- wellbeing-programme-launched


• If you are on maternity leave, use your force’s Keeping In Touch days (KIT) to


• Take mental health breaks. Catch up with a friend, keep a journal, listen to


• Be gentle with yourself. • Do not compare yourself to others. • Be compassionate to yourself and others.


a podcast, or go for a workout.


Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find out what you need and enjoy. Looking after yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally helps you give your children what they need to grow and thrive.


continue socialising with colleagues, and stay in the loop with what is happening within your team. This will make your return to work easier. Ask your line manager for more details.


bed, or swapping coffee for a tall glass of water. Visit Oscar Kilo for tips and advice on getting better sleep: www.oscarkilo.org.uk/services/ok-life/ sleep-and-fatigue-interventions/ better-sleep-toolkit


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