This week, it’s Mental Health Awareness Week – a pertinent date in the calendar. It’s more important than ever to speak up about your mental health so you can get the support and guidance you need.
Our industry is a high-pressured and often stressful, so as PR and communications specialists we need to ensure we’re placing a greater importance on looking after our mental health.
We’ve been a proud partner of mental health and suicide prevention awareness charity, Beder, and we’re undertaking our own fundraising challenge to push ourselves to the limit and raise money for this much-needed cause. You can donate via our JustGiving, each donation, big or small is greatly appreciated by us.
Vuelio, has pulled together quotes from seven mental health professionals. You can read the full article here.
We’ve highlighted our favourite quotes below.
1) Take control where you can and reframe the situation when you can’t, says mental health campaigner and co-founder of The Positive Planner Ali McDowall
‘Many of us reflect on what we would like to let go of from our pre-Covid lives as we head back in to some form of normality. There is a sense of anxiety as we feel the need to dive back into toxic working relationships, busy weekends and seeing people that perhaps we don’t want to. The good news is we can have some control and what the last year has taught us is that self-care looks different for everyone. If a weekend hanging out in your own company sounds like bliss, then make it happen! If you seek connection, then get that social engagement in to your diary. It’s all about feeling empowered to do whatever feels good for you.
‘Of course, many of us don’t have control over working environments and this can add to the stress and anxiety we feel. Try and reframe it by taking a lunch break that nourishes your soul, go for a walk or sit and listen to a podcast; it’s all within your planning control. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s a necessity.’
2) Switch off at a set time each day, says Freeletics training specialist David Wiener
‘Coping with unsustainable workloads, switching off, work/life balance, dealing with difficult colleagues and preparing to head back into the office, are all problems people are facing as the world starts to get back to some-what normality.
‘Finding a way to switch off from your phone/computer at a set time each evening will not only reduce stress and screen time, but is incredibly important when it comes to finding a strong work/life balance.’
3) Talk things out, says sleep expert and neurophysiologist Dr Nerina Ramlakhan
‘If you are struggling with the idea of heading back to the office, try talking to others around you including your team and your manager. Allow yourself the time and space to explore these feelings. Remember that although many things will return to normal, we ourselves as a society have changed and the benefits of a more flexible and less pressured future have been experienced by everyone.
‘Remember that when you are feeling anxious and overwhelmed, self-care is even more important. Eat breakfast within 30-45 minutes of waking and, throughout the day, limit caffeine and drink at least two litres of water. Remember to allow yourself the chance to rest and recover during the day, taking regular, small breaks from work every 90-120 minutes. The breaks give your brain a chance to reboot and process information, which helps you sleep deeper at night.’
