Self-Care Week is an annual event that encourages individuals of all ages and backgrounds to prioritise their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. The focus is on making self-care a regular part of everyday life. We hope to highlight helpful resources and enjoyable activities that promote a healthier, happier lifestyle for all.
Prioritising self-care in the workplace
While juggling the tasks of a typical workday, it is easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. When we invest in self-care, we build the resilience and clarity needed to stay engaged, effective, and balanced, both professionally and personally. It is a timely reminder that our everyday decisions and behaviours can have a lasting impact on our health, and that practicing self-care is a valuable way to help reduce anxiety, stress, and other challenges.
Daily tips for practicing self-care:
- Mindful Monday – make plans for meditation and breathing exercises
- Take-Care Tuesday – take time to plan healthy snacks and drinks
- Wellbeing Wednesday – work on your sleep and movement
- Treat Yourself Thursday – take a moment for what makes you happy
- Feel-Good Friday – find your favourite uplifting playlist, and get ready for the weekend
- Weekend wellness – exercise or go for a walk, and spend quality time catching up with family and friends
- Practicing gratitude – take a few moments to reflect on/write down the things you are grateful for, whether big or small. Ask yourself ‘What made me smile’ or ‘Who or what am I thankful for’
- Ask for help: if you are feeling overwhelmed, speak to your line manager or HR. Support is always available
Self-care activities
- Take regular breaks: Taking just five minutes can make a significant difference.
- Stay hydrated and eat well: drink water throughout the day and eat balanced meals to keep your energy levels steady.
- Set healthy boundaries: Protect your personal time and make space for rest outside of work.
- Stay Connected: build supportive relationships with colleagues. A quick chat or shared laugh can boost your mood.
- Practice mindfulness: whether it is deep breathing, meditation, or simply being present in the moment, can help to ease stress.
Supporting self-care
Our Health and Wellbeing section on My Council Works includes tips and advice on:
- Physical wellbeing – nutrition, addiction support, menopause, sleep, physiotherapy
- Mental and emotional wellbeing – anxiety & depression, bereavement, stress
- Lifestyle and financial wellbeing – debt & money management advice, savings, pensions
Our Employee Assistance Programme has a variety of resources which help to promote positive health and wellbeing:
- Wellbeing Calendar – calendar of events, access to webinars, articles, and podcasts
- Access to 24/7 GP appointments
- Physiotherapy sessions (up to eight per year shared between you and your partner)
Upcoming activities and events:
- Movement Matters – Monday 1 December 2025
- Wellbeing Conversations – Monday 1 December
- Winter Wellbeing: Rest, Recharge & Replenish – Tuesday 9 December 2025
To sign up for any of the activities listed above, please click here: Wellbeing Calendar. Scroll down to find the activity or resource you’re interested in and complete the registration form. Access details will be sent to you via email once registered.
Our internal training system, LEON also provides podcasts, webinars and exercises to consider. When you click on the links below, it will take you to the LEON login page. Once you log in, you will be directed to the appropriate course:
- 9-simple stress busters
- Happiness at Work
- Psychological safety
- 3-minute breathing exercise
- 5-minute grounding exercise
- Healthy living
Join the movement
Self-Care Week offers a valuable opportunity to prioritise your health and wellbeing. Mark your calendar for 17–23 November 2025, and discover ways to take part, whether by joining events, sharing helpful tips with friends and colleagues, or simply setting aside time for yourself.
