We understand that the Covid-19 pandemic is affecting everyone who works in racing in different ways.
You may still be riding out every morning, running your own training facility, looking after new foals at stud, working from home following an office shutdown or you may be unable to work.
This toolkit offers guidance and resources to safeguard and improve your mental health and wellbeing at this unprecedented time.
- Introduce a relaxation technique into your daily routine
- Try to anticipate distress – acknowledge and ‘sit in’ feelings of anxiety/sadness
- Try to monitor whether you are drastically increasing habits such as drinking or smoking
- Take time to reflect and practice self-compassion – make time to reflect on what went well in your day and what you are grateful for, however small the thing may be
- If you are struggling to sleep, try to incorporate a relaxation technique into your evening routine and take a look at these sleep tips
- Avoid speculation and look up reputable sources on the pandemic (Gov.uk, Health Protection Scotland, Public Health Wales). Stick to one trusted news outlet and limit your time on social media apps where opinions from others can add to your anxiety
Whatever your circumstances, it has never been more important to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing describes your mental state – how you are feeling and how well you can cope with day‐to‐day life. Our mental wellbeing is dynamic. It can change from moment to moment, day to day, month to month or year to year.
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