For Mental Health Awareness Week (18 – 24 May) we want to highlight and celebrate all those unrecognised, everyday acts of kindness! This year’s theme is #KindnessMatters and in keeping with our #5Ways2Wellbeing focus we’re inviting all members of our pharmacy family to share some positivity. We want you to take a few moments each day to reflect on something you’ve seen or experienced – something a colleague has done for you, another team member or a patient – and to recognise it. Everyday this week we want you to #GiveACompliment.

Research shows that kindness is an antidote to isolation and creates a sense of belonging. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and deepens friendships. Kindness can help boost self-esteem and even improve feelings of confidence and optimism. 

In our ‘Introduction to Assertiveness’ wellbeing workshop we talk about regularly expressing appreciation of others for what they have done or are doing. That part of being assertive is being open in expressing wishes, thoughts and feelings and encouraging others to do likewise.

When was the last time you gave a compliment?

Your wellbeing prod for Mental Health Awareness Week is to slow down and reflect on why you value someone else. Compliments don’t cost you anything – they can break the ice, lift morale and position you as a thoughtful person. Passing on a simple compliment can have a lasting positive impact on your wellbeing as well as the person/people you are sharing the compliment with. If you’d like to do so you could also share it publicly on social media or set up a board in your workplace to share your compliments with colleagues!

We have created a full colour TEMPLATE  and a black & white TEMPLATE for you to print off and use. Be sure when you share on social media that you tag us into your post (Twitter: @PharmaSupport, Facebook: PharmacistSupport, Instagram: PharmacistSupport) & use the hashtags #KindnessMatters & #GiveACompliment.

Give your colleagues and your wellbeing a boost. Let’s fill our social media channels this week with thoughtful positive messages & thanks.