Digging Deep: A Practical Guide to Wellness for Local Authority Professionals
- truthaboutlocalgov
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
In a world where the pace of life rarely slows, the wellbeing of those working in local authorities—both officers and elected members—can often be overlooked. Yet, these individuals are the backbone of our communities, making decisions that shape lives and futures. In our recent conversation with Beth Carr, a seasoned expert in wellbeing and mental health, we explored how those in public service can cultivate a more intentional, sustainable approach to their own wellness.
Beth’s philosophy is grounded in realism, compassion, and the power of small, consistent actions. Her insights offer a refreshing departure from the all-or-nothing mentality that often surrounds wellness conversations. Instead, she champions a more personal, flexible, and ultimately more effective approach.
Wellness Is Personal: Define It for Yourself
One of the first things Beth emphasised was the importance of understanding what wellness means to you. “Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept,” she explained. “It’s deeply individual. What works for one person might not work for another.”
This is particularly relevant for local authority professionals, whose roles are often emotionally demanding and time-constrained. Beth encourages individuals to take a step back and reflect: What does wellness look like in my life? Is it more energy? Better sleep? Feeling less overwhelmed? Once you’ve defined it, you can begin to build a path towards it.
The Power of Micro-Dosing Wellness
A standout concept from our discussion was the idea of “micro-dosing” wellness. Much like building physical strength, mental and emotional resilience can be developed gradually. “You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight,” Beth said. “Start small. A five-minute breathing exercise. One journaling prompt. A short walk at lunch. These micro-changes compound over time.”
This approach is especially helpful for those who feel they’re already stretched thin. Rather than adding pressure, it offers a gentle, manageable way to build wellbeing into your day.
Mindfulness and Journalling: Anchors in a Busy World
Beth is a strong advocate for mindfulness and journalling—two practices that help bring awareness and intention into daily life. “Mindfulness isn’t about sitting cross-legged for an hour,” she laughed. “It’s about noticing. Noticing your breath, your thoughts, your surroundings. It’s about being present.”
Journalling, she added, is a powerful tool for setting intentions, tracking progress, and cultivating gratitude. “It helps you develop your ‘gratitude muscle’. And it gives you a record of your journey—something to look back on and see how far you’ve come.”
Change Is the Only Constant
In the ever-evolving landscape of local government, change is inevitable. Beth encourages embracing this reality rather than resisting it. “Change is the only constant,” she said. “The key is to stay grounded through it. That’s where intentionality comes in.”
Too often, we operate on autopilot—reacting rather than responding. Beth urges us to pause, reflect, and act with purpose.
“When you’re intentional, you regain a sense of control. You’re not just surviving—you’re steering.”
Realistic Goals and Sustainable Progress
Another common pitfall Beth sees is unrealistic goal setting. “We set ourselves up to fail,” she said. “We aim for perfection instead of progress. But gradual improvement is what’s sustainable.”
She recommends breaking goals into smaller, achievable steps. Want to eat healthier? Start by adding one more vegetable to your plate. Want to move more? Schedule a 10-minute walk into your diary. These small shifts, consistently applied, create lasting change.
Reclaiming Control Through Routine
Many people Beth works with feel out of control—buffeted by demands, deadlines, and distractions. Her advice? Reclaim control by being intentional with your time. “Look at your diary,” she said.
“Where can you build in small improvements? A walk between meetings. A healthy lunch. A moment to breathe.”
Routine doesn’t have to be rigid. It’s about creating space for the things that support your wellbeing. And it’s about checking in with yourself regularly: Is this working for me? If not, adjust. Don’t force it. Wellness should feel supportive, not stressful.
Common Misconceptions About Wellness
Beth also addressed some of the most persistent myths she encounters in her practice:
1. “I have to overhaul my life.”
This is perhaps the most damaging misconception. “People think they need to change everything at once,” Beth said. “But that’s overwhelming and unsustainable. Micro-changes are the key. They’re manageable, and they build momentum.”
2. “I’m not doing enough.”
This belief is often rooted in comparison and perfectionism. “Most of the time, people are doing loads,” Beth explained. “They’re just not focusing on the right things.”
Sometimes, the issue is that we haven’t identified the root cause. For example, binge eating might be a response to work-related stress. Other times, we know the cause but are too distracted to address it. “It’s about redirecting your energy to where it really matters,” she said.
3. “Wellness is indulgent.”
This one really struck a chord. “Wellness isn’t a luxury,” Beth said firmly. “It’s foundational. If you want to perform sustainably—at work, at home, in your community—you need to look after yourself.”
From Being to Thriving
Beth’s final message was a powerful one: “Wellbeing without intention is just being. You’re not thriving.” Thriving doesn’t mean being perfect. It means being present. It means making choices that support your health, your energy, and your joy. It means checking in with yourself, adjusting when needed, and celebrating the small wins.
Practical Steps for Local Authority Professionals
To wrap up, here are some practical takeaways from our conversation with Beth Carr:
1. Define Your Wellness
Ask yourself: What does wellness mean to me? Be specific and personal.
2. Start Small
Micro-dose wellness. Five minutes of mindfulness. One healthy meal. A short walk.
3. Be Intentional
Don’t run on autopilot. Review your diary. Build in time for what matters.
4. Use Journalling
Set intentions. Track progress. Reflect on what’s working—and what’s not.
5. Embrace Change
Accept that change is constant. Use it as a catalyst for growth, not a source of stress.
6. Set Realistic Goals
Focus on gradual improvement. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
7. Challenge Misconceptions
Wellness isn’t indulgent. It’s essential. And you’re probably doing more than you think.
8. Check In Regularly
Ask: Is this working for me? Adjust as needed. Don’t force what doesn’t fit.
In a sector where the demands are high and the stakes even higher, the wellbeing of local authority professionals is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Beth Carr’s insights remind us that wellness isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, with intention and compassion.
So, take a breath. Take a step. And start digging deep into your own wellness journey.
