On World Mental Health Day, it seems right to remind everyone (myself included) that looking after our mental health is vital - people rely on us and we need to be there for them in body, mind and spirit. We can only effectively help others if we look after ourselves first. So, eating healthily, staying active, staying connected and reaching out when we need extra help should do the trick.
Having struggled with a period of crippling and overwhelming anxiety at the start of the year, I reached out to friends, colleagues and professionals for some support and here are some of the strategies they suggested which actually worked for me, and helped me bounce back:
Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours to ensure you have time to disconnect. This will prevent burnout and help you maintain a work-life balance. I now leave my laptop at work, I don't work later than 7pm and weekends are strictly non-working.
Delegate Tasks: You don't have to do everything yourself. Delegating tasks can reduce stress and free up time for you to focus on the bigger picture. It really is reassuring, knowing a key task is being done well by someone else, and not badly (and late) by me.
Stay Organized: Use tools and apps to keep track of tasks, appointments, and deadlines. This reduces the mental load and helps prevent overwhelm. Blocking out time in my diary for certain activities really does help me stay on top of things.
Take Breaks: Regular short breaks throughout the day can boost productivity and reduce stress. Consider techniques like the Pomodoro method, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Yes, still trying to work on this. Getting out of the 'flow' or moving out of the 'zone' is something I do struggle with. I like working and getting stuck in.
Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and keep you centred. Even just a few minutes a day can make a difference. My bedtime routine now contains much less screen time and much more time de-stressing using breathing techniques.
Connect with Others: Network with others or join support groups. Sharing experiences can provide a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Well, playing music, going to the pub and catching up with friends and family is so much more important to me than it was last year.
Seek Professional Help if Needed: Don't hesitate to consult a therapist or counsellor if you find that stress is overwhelming. Mental health professionals can provide tailored strategies and support. Well, when I was particularly bad in early January I tried that, but got cut off from speaking to a MH professional on the phone. Must admit though, my GP was amazing and she let me know about so many resources I could start using.
Focus on Self-care: Make time for activities you enjoy, exercise regularly, and maintain a balanced diet. Physical well-being is closely linked to mental well-being. Walking for me is the best therapy - it really helps me process what's in my head, helps me make plans and puts my thoughts into perspective.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This can boost your morale and keep you motivated through challenges. Ah yes, a work in progress......! Still never totally satisfied with myself.
These practices really can help you manage the unique stresses of running a small VCSE organisation while maintaining a healthy mindset. They're working for me.......so far.
In memory of our dearly departed friend, client and colleague, Michael Lake, whose mantra of 'no being without wellbeing' seems more pertinent than ever five years after he left us prematurely.
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