National Volunteer Day

It's National Volunteer Day!

At Resilient People, our dedication to enhancing mental wellbeing extends beyond the confines of the office; it's embedded within our community outreach.

Our team regularly completes community volunteering hours with local organisations as well as raising funds for charities close to our hearts through completing activities such as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Coffee Mornings and even marathons.

Getting your teams volunteering with worthy causes is a great way to enhance a sense of purpose and meaning; both of which are big protective factors for mental health. 

 

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

National Stress Awareness Day – 2nd November 2022

Stress is a part of everyday life and can often feel unpleasant. Generally, we don’t like ‘unpleasant’ and so we try to make it stop, which can, in turn, lead to more stress and unpleasant feelings. A better approach can be to learn techniques to get through the moments of stress, so-called ‘weathering the storm.’ Here are some strategies that use the senses for grounding effect when the stress feels like it is becoming too much:

Sit back in your chair and notice 5 objects in the room with you – this may be something simple like a pen. Visually study the object, taking in as much detail as possible – size, colour, marks etc. When you have finished studying one object move onto the next.

 

 Switch on to your hearing. Like smells, there are often subtle sounds around us that we do not normally notice. Take a few minutes to really hear these sounds – try not to react to them with thoughts – just notice them and wait for the next one.

 

Take some long, deep breaths through you nose (aim for 6-7 breaths per minute) and notice the air moving through your nostrils. Also, notice any smells. There are   always subtle smells we rarely notice   and becoming aware of them can be a great grounding agent. If you have the time, you might want  to try the same exercise outdoors.

 

Start by noticing your body’s contact with the chair you are sitting on – feeling the pressure on the back of your legs. Then notice the contact between your feet and the floor. How about the clothes you are wearing? Can you feel their contact with your skin?

 

Focus your attention on your mouth, first noticing any tension in your jaw, and then noticing any tastes in your mouth. Simply spend a few minutes noticing the different tastes and sensations as they come and go.

 

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

Wellbeing and Nature

Nature’s Role in Mental Health

As next week is UK Mental Health Awareness week with a focus on nature and the environment, it seems like the perfect opportunity to go a little deeper with one of my favourite wellbeing topics – the positive effects of nature on mental health. Those positive emotions are something most of will have felt at some time, perhaps while appreciating a far reaching view or watching the sun set over an ocean. These moments connect us with the natural world in a way that lures us away from the busy and negative stories playing out in our minds and bring us back to what is real.

What’s more, this positive link between humans and nature is well-supported with plenty of research, especially in the field of environmental psychology (1) where some much-tested theories are playing a big role in influencing the way we design and spend time in outdoor spaces. Take the work of Richard Louv whose 2005 book ‘Last Child in the Woods’ introduced the concept of Nature Deficit Disorder, whereby he argued that most people, especially children, are spending less time outdoors leading to us feeling more separate from nature causing a reduced attention span and more negative moods. The research in this area has big implications for creating effective learning strategies for both children and adult learners.

One downside to so much research in one area is that it can be a little confusing to navigate and pick out what is useful to get started. So, my aim here to provide a ‘whistle-stop’ tour of some intervention ideas that might help you personally, or give you inspiration for what you could to do to promote the benefits of the nature connection on your teams at work.

So, how can nature boost your mental health?

Enjoying a spot of lunch next to Victoria Falls or watching the sunset on Kilimanjaro would no doubt be an amazing experience and, for most of us, be emotionally moving, but is not necessary to go to such extremes to enjoy a better connection with nature. Here are some more accessible ideas:

7 ways to a Connect with Nature

Forest Bathing is a Japanese practice (Shinrin-yoku) of relaxation backed by Japanese government research from the 1980’s, which demonstrated that two hours of forest bathing could reduce blood pressure, lower stress hormone (Cortisol) levels and improve concentration and memory (2) as well as optimising the nervous system and balancing heart conditions (3). Forest bathing is nothing more than walking in a woodland environment and taking the time to appreciate and focus on the natural world around you. Put another way; simply take an interest in your environment as you walk.

In fact, walking in any type of nature offers psychological benefits, in particular, on our cognitive function.  Studies have demonstrated an increased memory performance (4) after walking in nature, as well as improving the moods of people suffering from depression and giving them an increased motivation to get past their illness (5). Furthermore, there is also evidence demonstrating increased levels of attention, focus and concentration (6) (7) after walking.

Even just spending time outside has it benefits; for instance, it can lower the stress hormone cortisol (8) and if being outside drags you away from your tech devices then you stand a good chance of boosting your problem solving skills and creative abilities (9).

Spending some time working on your garden offers a whole host of health paybacks (10). Whether it is increased physical activity, a deeper connection with nature or an enhanced sense of mission and fulfilment, springtime really is the perfect opportunity to create your own sanctuary and space away from it all.

To gain even more benefit for your time outside how about keeping a Nature Journal? The purpose of the journal is to creatively record our encounters with nature, this may be writing a description of a view or how it made you feel at the time, or it might be a simple sketch of something that catches your eye, or glue in an item like a fallen leaf.

Perhaps consider doing some of your work outside if you have the opportunity. With so many people working from home at the moment, and as the weather improves, perhaps taking the laptop or some paperwork outside for part of the working day might be a good option, especially if you are wanting to reduce stress and boost creativity.

Planting houseplants. Not having a garden should not be a reason for not connecting with nature. Putting some houseplants in your home can still bring benefits of a better connection with nature. These plants can improve respiration, promote better mental health and improve cognitive function (11). 

There is one thing for sure; there is no shortage of research outlining the many benefits to human wellbeing from connecting with nature at any level. Whether it is increased happiness, improved emotional regulation, a deeper sense of self, effective interpersonal relationships or better heart health, there really is a good reason for everyone to value and nurture some form of connection with nature. I hope something in this blog has inspired you to get out there and use UK Mental Health Awareness week as a focus for improving your own connection with nature.

 

Written by Director Barrie Penrose, pictured here with his dog Remmy, doing their own Forest Bathing!
 
 
 
References:
  • Bell, P. A. et al. (1996) ‘Environmental psychology, 4th ed.’, Environmental psychology, 4th ed.
  • Richardson, M. et al. (2016) ‘30 days wild: Development and evaluation of a large-scale nature engagement campaign to improve well-being’, PLoS ONE.
  • Mao, G. X. et al. (2012) ‘Effects of short-term forest bathing on human health in a broad-leaved evergreen forest in Zhejiang Province, China’, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences.
  • Berman, M. G., Jonides, J. and Kaplan, S. (2008) ‘The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature’, Psychological Science.
  • Berman, M. G. et al. (2012) ‘Interacting with nature improves cognition and affect for individuals with depression’, Journal of Affective Disorders.
  • Hartig, T. and Mang, M. (1991) ‘Restorative effects of natural environment experiences’, Environment and Behavior.
  • Faber Taylor, A. and Kuo, F. E. (2009) ‘Children with attention deficits concentrate better after walk in the park’, Journal of Attention Disorders.
  • Gidlow, C. J. et al. (2016) ‘Natural environments and chronic stress measured by hair cortisol’, Landscape and Urban Planning.
  • Atchley, R. A., Strayer, D. L. and Atchley, P. (2012) ‘Creativity in the Wild: Improving Creative Reasoning through Immersion in Natural Settings’, PLoS ONE.
  • Scott, T. L., Masser, B. M. and Pachana, N. A. (2015) ‘Exploring the health and wellbeing benefits of gardening for older adults’, Ageing and Society.
  • Orwell, R. L. et al. (2004) ‘Removal of benzene by the indoor plant/substrate microcosm and implications for air quality’, Water, Air, and Soil Pollution.
National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

Remote Reassurance: Caring for your Employees’ Mental Wellbeing During Self-isolation and Remote Working

In this uncertain time, relentless changes to guidance and advice is becoming the new norm and adjusting to new information and change is essential for everyone in any professional or personal context. To reduce risks and the spread of corona virus, remote working, reduced contact and social isolating are all being encouraged: more and more organisations are providing opportunities for their employees to access work from home.  Yet, in times of change and uncertainty, this can be a catalyst for worry, anxiety and mental ill health. How can organisations support the transition to home working and provide effective mental health support for their staff at the same time?

Recommendations for Employers

It is essential that an organisation-wide policy is put in place and that it is understood by employers that supporting mental health is an important element of this.  A consistent approach is required, with some flexibility and personalisation in such a fluid situation. Remote working can be highly daunting if there is a lack of structure and reduced contact with others so giving advice about how to manage time, productivity and connections with their time is really important.

First of all, practical considerations should include the physical space that someone will be working from. The physical environment should be suitable in terms of a workstation that gives them a comfortable position and area to work in. Ideally, this would be in a room that can be shut away outside of work hours to aid a clear distinction between work and non-work time. It should be well-ventilated and ideally with access to natural light. Access to work systems will need to be provided remotely and access to the internet will also need to be considered.

Often, remote workers can find there is a difficulty in being able to separate work and home when both happen in the same place. This is in both a physical sense, such as in a room where the door can be shut when work is not taking place, but also in the sense that they need to clearly distinguish between work hours and down-time so they are not contactable outside of that time. Encouraging a clear routine can help to solve this problem – suggesting appropriate times for work activities to take place, including breaks and lunch, can help remote workers to detach from work when needed.

Similarly, there needs to be an understanding by both the employee and employer about how work rate is going to examined – what will be monitored and measured – hours, output or both? Although a space with no distractions is important, during a work day where the employee would have been in an office setting, they would not work solidly for eight hours. There may be breaks, communications with work colleagues, time to think and consider activities: these will still need to take place and should be factored into the expectations of the manager for work output/hours so that they do not become merely task-focused.

It is important to remember that a home worker is a lone worker and this can bring with it a sense of isolation that can increase the risk of mental ill health. Managers should aim to communicate regularly with their employees, in both team and individual contexts. In times like this, providing information and keeping people in the loop can help to quell anxiety and fear. Even if there is nothing to say, don’t say nothing at all because this can heighten worry and increase the use of rumours and speculation to fill in the gaps.

The opportunity to communicate with others should be encouraged. Where possible, different modes to achieve this should be considered, such as programmes to allow group video meetings or chats should be utilised to encourage employees to foster social and professional connections to communicate with each other, just as in a work setting to maintain a sense of belonging. These ‘Virtual Water Coolers’ give colleagues the chance to share difficulties and achievements, continuing the opportunity to bond, support and work as a team.

Similarly, individual phone calls and video calls between managers and employees are vital to give the opportunity to check how the individual is coping and given the manager a greater sense of any additional supports that might need to be put in place. Being able to share their anxieties or struggles can help to alleviate worries, which can help people to feel better able to cope with their situations.

Inspiring good mental health practices is essential for every person within the organisation. As well as communication with others from the business, links with family and friends will be vital for individuals as well as having time to complete activities to bring some normality to their lives. Encouraging activities such as reading, listening to podcasts and exercising (either safely at a distance outside or within the house) can all contribute to better mental health.

Overall, the most important factor to consider is for channels of communication to be maintained and encouraged, especially during such as uncertain time. Although these circumstances are unprecedented, your health and wellbeing is still, as always, a priority.

As a company, our vision is to simply see people flourishing in the workplace (whether home or office-based) and our mission is to help clients to support and develop good psychological health in their teams. That is because we believe flourishing people create thriving organisations. 

We do this by providing specialist training and services to support mental health, resilience and wellbeing in the workplace and online.

Whether you are looking for face-to-face training, online learning or a blend of the two, we can tailor training on topics such as resilience, mental health and other developmental areas, perfectly suited to your organisation and team. 

Resilient People       

www.resilientpeople.co.uk                 [email protected]

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

How to Look After Your Mental Health During Self-Isolation and Reduced Social Contact

Understandably, it is a time of concern and unease for everyone. The seemingly relentless changes to guidance and advice mean that adjustments are happening quickly and often raising more questions than they answer. Alterations to the way we live and work are underway and this might mean that you are now working from home or self-isolating in response to symptoms or government information. Finding yourself out of typical routine can be daunting so putting tools in place to smooth this transition can reduce anxiety.

Structure your Set Up

It is important that you feel equipped and resourced to complete your work at home and this can only happen if you are properly prepared. Talk to your employer about any policies that your organisation have relating to home working and identify any tools or access you will need to be able to complete your role effectively away from the office. Try to anticipate any issues you might face and consider how you would overcome these away from your workplace – this needs to include trouble-shooting for your work, but also for circumstances such as being away from others and what you will do if you feel you are struggling.

Keep Connected

Although many of us will find ourselves in isolation or in reduced social situations, that doesn’t mean that you can’t communicate in other ways. Phoning people, talking over video messages or sending messages can help to reduce seclusion and loneliness. Agree regular check in times; make sure that you have up-to-date contact information for any key people,; and use different modes of communication to keep in touch – try video messaging, group phone calls or Facebook groups so that you have a wealth of support and interaction. These should be for both work and personal connections to make sure that you have a range of support available to you. For example, you could set up virtual coffee breaks so that people can catch up remotely and stay connected.

Disconnect

Where possible, limit the time you spend watching, reading or listening to news that could cause you anxiety or distress.  Choose a specific time to check and stay informed by only using reputable news outlets, such as government and NHS websites – understanding the risks can help to make the situation less stressful. Where possible, avoid speaking to people who increase your worries and anxieties, and be honest with others about limiting information if this is something that will help you to feel calmer and less anxious. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, can be a good line of communication, but false news or speculation can do more harm than good so consider how you use these during this time.

Keep your Routine

This could prove quite tricky in some circumstances, but it’s really important that you continue healthy habits, such as exercise, a good balanced diet and keeping hydrated. You should try to stick to typical routines, such as when you go to bed and when you get up on a morning. Typical activities such as showering, having breakfast and getting dressed can help to bring some normality to the start of your day and help you to make the distinction from work to home effectively. Similarly, having a plan for your days, whether it is for remote working or during your personal time is important – consider scheduling your days to get a healthy balance of work and rest.

For work, make sure you factor in:

  • Opportunities for fresh air, even if its sitting by a window or heading into your garden for 15 minutes
  • Regular rest and toilet breaks, especially to keep up good hygiene for washing hands
  • Time to communicate and check in with your manager and work colleagues
  • Considering your own personal developments and progression – is there any additional research, activities or courses you could be completing?

For your personal time, make sure you include activities such as:

  • Reading
  • Listening to podcasts
  • Baking or batch cooking
  • Exercising – running up and down stairs, dancing to the radio and chair exercises can all be used to keep up energy and fitness levels. Don’t forget you can also go outside to exercise in your garden or other public space, as long as you keep the recommended distance from others.
  • Watching a series or film
  • Tidying and organising 

It is important that you keep talking to people around you and making your mental health a priority. Although these circumstances are unprecedented, your health and wellbeing is still, as always, a priority.

As a company, our vision is to simply see people flourishing in the workplace (whether home or office-based) and our mission is to help clients to support and develop good psychological health in their teams. That is because we believe flourishing people create thriving organisations. 

We do this by providing specialist training and services to support mental health, resilience and wellbeing in the workplace and online.

Whether you are looking for face-to-face training, online learning or a blend of the two, we can tailor training on topics such as resilience, mental health and other developmental areas, perfectly suited to your organisation and team. 

Resilient People      

www.resilientpeople.co.uk                 [email protected]

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

SPOTLIGHT ON… Looking After Your Own Mental Health

Being able to talk to a loved one, friend or colleague about their mental health is really important, but make sure you don’t forget about self-care and looking after your own mental health and wellbeing too! Read our top tips below for how to look after your own wellbeing:

1.    Keep active

Physical fitness has long been on people’s agendas, but you may not realise that as well as the physical benefits to exercise, it also offers benefits to your mind and mental health as well. You might keep active by joining the gym, but you could also enjoy a bike ride, sports activity or walks – all of these would equally contribute to physical and mental fitness.

 2.    Eat well

Food and mood go hand in hand so make sure you are choosing foods that give you energy, are good for you and don’t rely on sugar bursts to boost you – because then you will experience a dip in energy and feelings of fatigue. Regular snacks or food will keep you fuelled throughout the day and give you energy to take on whatever life throws at you.

3.    Ask for help

As much as we might not want to admit it, we can’t always handle everything on our own. Whether this is balancing our time, sharing our feelings or letting someone with more experience or knowledge guide us, reaching out and communicating with people can help to relieve pressure. Don’t be afraid to trust the people around you to help you.

4.    Take a break

A busy life can catch up with us and it is important to learn to recognise the signs and symptoms that tell you that your body is ready for a rest, or preferably know when to take a break to prevent our body and mind getting to a point where it is being negatively impacted by stress. Make sure you schedule in some down-time to rest and recharge.

5.    Do something you’re good at

Being successful and accomplishing our goals give us a ‘feel-good’ boost. Choosing an activity that you enjoy and can be successful at can help to balance out negative feelings if you have not been successful in other aspects of your week. It is also chance to do something that you enjoy and that is an essential ingredient for good mental health.

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

Top Tips For Supporting Someone on Your Team with Mental Ill Health

Did you know that mental health problems affect one in four people? When people experience a mental health condition, they may feel isolated, ashamed and worthless. They may feel that they have no one to talk to and no one to turn to. Mental health is something that we all have and, just like physical fitness, it can be good or poor. So why is it such a taboo to talk about it?

Mental health conditions are something that can affect anyone at any time. Being able to talk to people about mental health can make a significant different.

Top Tips To Support Others in the Workplace

It can be daunting when someone is returning to work after an absence because of mental ill health. They might feel unsure of how people will treat them or they may be nervous about returning to work. As their colleague, you can play a part in welcoming them back.

1.    Check in
Keep a kind eye on them and see how they are doing throughout the day. Just a friendly ‘hello’ at lunch time or a ‘how are you getting on?’ during the day can give them the opportunity to ask for help if they need it or reassure them that they aren’t alone.

2.    Listen and don’t judge
They might want to talk about how they are feeling or they might share their experience with you. That’s ok and letting them talk can be all the outlet they need. Active non-judgemental listening is really important so give them time to speak without jumping in, stop what you are doing so they know they have your full attention and ask questions to prompt them if needed.

3.    Treat them in the same way
Coming back to work might be a way for them to experience some normality so being the same friendly colleague is just what they need. There is no need to be wary or fearful of someone because of their mental ill health. They are still the same person.

4.    Ask twice
It’s easy to just reply ‘I’m fine, thanks’ when we are asked how we are and often people will automatically say this even if they aren’t feeling 100%. Asking twice can give the person the opportunity to be honest about how they feeling.

5.    Don’t forget little gestures can have a big impact.
Making them a cup of tea; carrying something for them; asking them to join you for lunch; these small actions can make such a big difference to someone who might be feeling a little vulnerable and overwhelmed. Don’t underestimate the difference you can make to someone by including them and showing that you’ve thought of them.

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

Embrace JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out)

Thanks to social media, we are now more connected than ever, yet this can actually create feelings of distance and disconnection. Being able to continuously check out where others are checking in, see the latest fads and favourites, and peer at ‘picture-perfect’ poses, the business and bustle of others can make us question if we too should be going out and joining in.

Escaping this ‘must-do’ mentality is essential to improving our mental health and wellbeing. Embracing JOMO (or ‘The Joy of Missing Out’) can be a positive step in reducing the feeling that you are obligated to take part and fit in, and this can reduce the additional pressure and stress in a number of different ways, including mentally, financially and physically. The emphasis on ‘JOMO’ is not that you are missing out, but that you have the choice to take a step back when you need to, to miss out on the ‘right things’ and giving you time to regroup, recharge and relax.

 

EMBRACING JOMO

1. START A DIGITAL DETOX

How often is your phone the first thing that you reach for when you wake up? How about sitting with your phone right next to you while you watch TV? Are you guilty of looking at your phone right before you go to sleep? Our phones, and by extension our tablets and other similar technologies, have become an essential part of our lives. Of course, they can help to minimise stress by keeping us organised, in contact and in the know. But their presence can also be a damaging distraction to our lives. Giving yourself time away from your phone is an important part of taking control of your wellbeing. Studies show that the blue light from your phone’s screen stimulates the brain so if you are using your phone as a tool to help you sleep, this could actually be having the reverse reaction. Downing your devices an hour before bedtime can help your body switch off and relax properly for a good night’s sleep. Ban phones at the dinner table so that you can focus on the people around you and use the time to catch up properly instead of being distracted by timelines and memes. Give yourself time to properly see and engage with the world around you rather than the electronic one in your hand.

2. SLOW DOWN

Life can feel like a treadmill of hustle and bustle. Often we find ourselves flitting from one activity to another, our days seeming to pass in a blur of work, appointments and commitments. Reducing the rush in our lives can give us time to recognise the things that are important to us, to invest and develop relationships with people we care about, and to reward ourselves for our hard work and commitment. In such a fast-paced world, think about the last time you sat down and actually did nothing. When did you go for a walk without having a reason or a time to adhere to? Scheduling time so that you have time to stop and appreciate the world around you is an essential part of JOMO – step out of the chaos into the calm when you need to.

3. SAY NO!

Often, we can be inundated with requests and invitations, and this can mean that we don’t have the time to stop and rest, even though sometimes we know that is what we should be doing. Being able to recognise when we need to recharge is essential. If your mobile phone was low in charge, you would either reduce your use of it to try to keep the battery going for a little longer until you could find a charger or you would stop using it immediately, plug it in and let it replenish with energy. Think about your body in the same way. Persistently pushing yourself physically and mentally with no time to rest will mean that you could eventually burn out. At the very least, it may mean that you are not able to work as efficiently as you usually would.

4. SCHEDULE ACTIVITIES YOU ENJOY

We are not always able to only do things that we want to. Different activities that make up our lives may not always be at the top of our list, but they fulfil an obligation or necessity. Planning things for you to do that brings joy means that you have a balance within your life and creates essential rewards for you completing the other activities. For example, you might dislike supermarket shopping, but obviously, it is an crucial chore meaning that you have the food and supplies needed to live. You could balance this activity by planning in some time afterwards to do something you do enjoy, such as putting your feet up and reading for a while. If your schedule is packed out, make sure you diarise time to complete a hobby, spend time with someone who makes you smile or just focus on some you-time to get that balance back.

 

 

GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO MISS OUT AND DISCOVER THE THINGS YOU WERE ACTUALLY MISSING OUT ON ALL ALONG.

As a company, our vision is to simply see people flourishing in the workplace and our mission is to help clients to support and develop good psychological health in their teams. That is because we believe flourishing people create thriving organisations. 

We do this by providing specialist training and services to support mental health, resilience and wellbeing in the workplace.

Whether you are looking for face-to-face training, online learning or a blend of the two, we can tailor training on topics such as resilience, mental health and other developmental areas, perfectly suited to your organisation and team.  

Resilient People       

www.resilientpeople.co.uk         [email protected]       01977 210220

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

Mental Health: Another Burden On The Youth

Guest Blogger Emily Owen, 16, writes about the stress and pressure that teenagers and young people are faced with

Many adults dismiss stress in teenagers as they don’t believe they have anything to stress about just because they don’t pay bills or have a job, but they have more stress now than adults had when they were teenagers with intense school expectations and regular exams, all to prepare for an entire month of back to back exams that are said to ‘dictate the rest of your life’. Though teenagers may experience stress like an adult, they cannot deal with it as they would, which is why it’s important to support any young people with stress and help them deal with it in a way which suits them.

Worryingly, around 82% of students suffer from stress and anxiety with 1 in 10 young people suffering from a mental health disorder. This shows how much pressure is on people in education nowadays, to the point it is causing them to fall ill and to suffer from stress, anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of stress to look out for are high irritability; trouble sleeping; a big weight change due to over or under eating; and being unable to relax. Most young people will find themselves stressed due to pressures from schools, whether it be due to upcoming and ongoing exams; large amounts of work both in school and at home; and fast approaching deadlines for assignments and essays. However, there could be other stresses in their lives such as peer pressure to do things they aren’t comfortable with so that they fit in and avoid bullying from their friends. This, combined with the pressure from school, could have a very negative effect on their mental health.

Stress affects people in two ways: physical and emotional. Teenagers and students suffering from stress from school may experience headaches, muscle pains and tension, chest pains and sleeping problems which in turn lead to fatigue. Due to the physical symptoms, high amounts of stress left untreated can lead to other health issues such as high blood pressure. Emotional symptoms include anxiety, sadness and frustration, which can all fuse together to make people feel worse, and untreated the symptoms can lead to depression.

Luckily, there are ways to manage stress with things such as regular physical activities and being surrounded by people that are found to be trustworthy, such as family and friends. It’s recommended to use ‘active’ ways to relive stress as ‘inactive’ ways, such as watching TV and playing video games, could lead to increased stress in the long term. If the stress is too much and methods like this do not help, it’s encouraged to seek help through mental health treatments such as therapies and by possibly joining support groups.

Emily Owen

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

27.03.2024

National Stress Awareness Month – April 2024

National Volunteer Day

05.12.2023

National Volunteer Day

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

16.11.2023

Understanding TRiM Training? A Quick Guide

Weather The Storm

Living in such an uncertain time can have a great impact on your life and of those around you. As well as experiencing anxiety and low mood, symptoms you might also experience include physical effects such as pain, appetite change and sleep problems. The global situation isn’t just a storm in a teacup so how can you look after yourself come rain or shine? Read our tips to help you weather the storm:

Don’t Forget Your Umbrella!

There are some things you just can’t change: if it rains, there is nothing you can do. But you can make a difference to how you cope. You can take an umbrella out with you. You can button up your rain coat. You can pull on your wellies. You don’t have to face the stormy weather without waterproofs, just like you don’t have to cope with this situation without support. This might be in the form of talking to a friend or family member; a peer support group; or advice from organisations available to support you with your wellbeing and mental health. Building your support network in what ever combination works for you as an individual can give you the shelter you need from the storm and make a vital difference.

Shower Yourself with Self-Care

If you can feel a gathering storm, take refuge in looking after yourself. Completing an activity you enjoy, catching up on sleep or just shutting the curtains and having a PJ day can be just what you need to brighten your day.  Being able to spot your own signs and symptoms can help to put self-care in place in the early stages. Self-care should be part of your routine: even the sunshine has a little rest day now and then so taking time out for yourself can play a part in improving the forecast and your mood. Sometimes you need to take a rain check and focus on yourself.

Throw Caution to the Wind

Changing your routine or trying something new can be a benefit to your mind and body. Learning a new skill, achieving a challenge or re-engaging with an existing hobby can improve self-esteem, increase wellbeing and give access to new learning and friends too! Any activity that promotes the release of endorphins or ‘happy hormones’ can be a real benefit to your mental health because it stimulates your mind and body as well as encouraging mental development and growth.

Sunshine on a Rainy Day

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of thinking that is quite negative. Instead of asking yourself ‘Why does it always rain on me?’, try to think more positively about the circumstances you are in. Although coping with the new and difficult situation we face can be challenging, research shows that gratitude is powerfully and reliably linked with greater happiness. Thinking about the things that you are grateful for nurtures positive emotions, helps you to recognise good experiences and supports in fostering strong relationships with those around you.

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