Medical staff in north Cumbria have shared their "top tips" for helping to ensure mental wellbeing.

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place last week, a number of healthcare staff at the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust shared their best suggestions for helping to ensure mental wellbeing.

With coronavirus having changed almost every aspect of daily life, it is perhaps even more important at the moment to ensure that mental health is at the forefront of people's minds, given that there is every indication the ongoing lockdown and anxiety over the danger of the virus can have an adverse effect on people's mental health.

While everyone's situation is different, these simple tips may nevertheless help in these particularly taxing times.

Katarina Berankova, clinical director of paediatrics at the trust, said the most important thing to do to help stay mentally well is to "keep up with the routine.

"For me it means meeting my weekly jogging targets and going for a run at least four to five times a week enjoying the nice weather.

"I also try to use this time to learn something new - I’ve started attending online yoga lessons every morning.

“I’ve been practicing and improving my 'old' hobbies too, namely baking – trying both old and new recipes and enjoying happy faces of my two sons when tasting final products.”

Consultant in rehabilitation medicine at the trust, Yogen Jagatsinh said focusing on the here and now is, for him, key.

“I take one day at a time and do not think much about the future. I listen to the news only once but not constantly," he said.

“I am positive at work and even when talking to patient or relatives I give them negative results with a hope and best commitment, so that they are not despair and looking for the best outcome.

“I treat all staff with respect and am friendly. I start work on time and try to go home on time and I give 100 per cent.”

Consultant anaesthetist Mohamed Mohamed advocated keeping a "clear distinction between your professional life and your personal life.

"Always find something to do that is not virus related that brings you joy.

"I personally invested my time to learn the guitar through online courses which took a lot of stress away and I read more about dogs as I am hoping to get a dog."

Georgia Wright, deputy chief nurse at the NCIC trust urged people to "have some time out," and to, wherever possible, look for the opportunity in the situation.

“I enjoy music and often use this to unwind.

"I am a naturally optimistic person and I focus on positive things – I like to share good news and look for the opportunities rather than focus on problems."

Dr Amal Kona, consultant paediatrician at the West Cumberland Hospital said smiling can have a positive impact not just on yourself, but on others too.

"I am always smiling. Smiling is contagious.”

And Amanda Kennett, the trust's associate director of midwifery, said: "Focus on being happy and looking for the good - in a situation and in people.

"Laughter goes a long way to helping us all cope with life’s pressures.”