Health and Wellbeing Hub
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Welcome to your health and wellbeing hub

We understand that while working in the NHS is very rewarding; it can at times be demanding. We believe that in order to deliver exceptional patient care, we must support our Bank Members in looking after their own health and wellbeing.  

At NHS Professionals, we believe in the power of a holistic approach to health and well-being. Holistic health considers the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in the quest for optimal health and wellness. By integrating healthy eating, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Across our Health & Wellbeing Hub we provide resources, advice, and support to help you and your loved ones embrace a holistic lifestyle and experience the numerous benefits it offers.

Why holistic health?

The link between mental and physical health is profound and interconnected, with each influencing the other in significant ways. For this reason, building up small lifestyle changes can have a significantly beneficial improvement on overall health. Here are several key aspects that illustrate this relationship:

Biological Mechanisms:

  • The brain and body communicate through complex biological pathways. For instance, stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can impact physical health by raising blood pressure and weakening the immune system over time (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021; American Psychological Association, 2021)

Impact on Chronic Conditions:

  • Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can contribute to the onset or exacerbation of physical health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic pain. Conversely, managing mental health effectively can improve outcomes in managing these conditions (Sarris et al., 2014; National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021)

Lifestyle Factors:

  • Mental health affects lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, and sleep patterns. Poor mental health may lead to unhealthy behaviours like overeating, lack of exercise, or poor sleep hygiene, which can increase the risk of physical health problems (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2021; Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020)

Pain Perception:

  • Mental health can influence how individuals perceive and manage physical pain. Conditions like chronic pain often have a psychological component, where stress and anxiety can intensify pain perception, while effective mental health management can help alleviate symptoms (National Institutes of Health, 2021; American Psychological Association, 2021)

Quality of Life:

  • Both mental and physical health contribute significantly to overall quality of life. Poor mental health can impact social interactions, work productivity, and personal relationships, while physical health issues can lead to limitations in daily activities and reduce overall well-being (World Health Organization, 2021; National Institute of Mental Health, 2021)

Treatment Approach:

  • Treatment and health plans that addresses both mental and physical health can lead to better treatment outcomes. For example, exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, while psychotherapy can help individuals cope with chronic pain and manage stress (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021; American Psychological Association, 2021)

Resilience and Coping:

  • Strong mental health can enhance resilience in coping with physical health challenges, such as recovery from illness or surgery. Conversely, individuals with chronic physical conditions may experience psychological distress, highlighting the need for holistic support (American Psychological Association, 2021; National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2021)

Register for your free Whelthy Plan

As a member of the NHS you are entitled to free unlimited access to Whelthy (usually £30 per month).

With Whelthy you will gain unlimited access to an online platform packed with exclusive recipes, nutritional advice, workouts, mindfulness, videos, blogs and even a lifestyle journal, all geared towards educating, motivating and inspiring you to smash your health and fitness goals.

To subscribe today, simply follow the instructions below and use the code HEROES100 when prompted.

  • Visit the 'Whelthy' website and click ‘subscribe now.’
  • Click ‘buy now’ then enter your free access code in the discount code box and click ‘apply.’
  • Click ‘checkout’ then fill in your details and click ‘continue.’
  • Click ‘return to homepage’ and then ‘my Whelthy’ in the top right corner of the screen.

This will take you to your personal Whelthy dashboard. You will now have been sent a welcome email with info of what the site includes (check your junk folder if it isn’t in your inbox).