Today is World Mental Health Day. An important day for many people. Mental health is a huge topic in our world, but an even bigger thing personally for many people. Struggles are real and lots of people have a story to tell. I myself have a story and working with the Anti Burnout club, have some top tips for you this year.
My Story
Since going self employed nine years ago, I have struggled with switching off. There is a a weight I suppose, on your shoulders when you are self employed. Having to provide for your family, not getting paid unless you do work. A lack of sick pay saw me working through being ill and eventually I burned out. I took on too much, put too much pressure on myself and couldn’t deal with stress. There were very few hobbies going on and I would find myself sitting at the laptop rather than going out with friends or loved ones. The stress was debilitating, on my physical health as well as mentally. I’ve always had a lot of pain in my back and this got worse the more stressed I got. I was depressed.
I went on meds but they did very little so I decided to bin them off and try and work on things myself. It was coming out as anger and annoyance and eventually I decided to go and seek help. It did help. Opening up was the hardest, especially as a man who grew up in a world where we weren’t really supposed to cry and just dealt with things. Those self care tips and that time with a therapist helped me improve. It is something I try to continue to put into play today. Those methods and ideas to keep on top of my emotions and feelings. I’m in no way a fixed product, it’s a journey.
A Lack Of Me Time
I used to have quite a few hobbies and be outgoing. I became introverted more than ever and didn’t want to see people. My camera was one thing that pulled me outside. Landscape photography was actually quite healing. Getting myself out into nature, walking, searching, putting my mind on something creative. Hobbies are fantastic and this is one of the things I try and make time for. Even an hour or to a week can be therapeutic and give you the chance to unwind, de-stress and refocus. I’ve created a video about mental health and photography. Finding something that works for you is amazing and it can be hugely beneficial for your mental health.
We are human. We’re not supposed to sit and work all day. when was the last time you really did something just for you? Without the guilt that you should be doing something else or checking emails on your holiday? We all need time. Life is short and our lives can’t just be work. Hobbies can help with anti burnout.
World Mental Health Day
The importance of World Mental Health Day is there because of of a number of reasons. Firstly because mental health is something that was ignored for so long. In many ways it is still ignored and it has a certain stigma and taboo surrounding it. Secondly, we’ve all got some connection to it. Whether it’s our own struggles or the struggles of a loved one. The scary thing is that we’ve all got potential to fall.
Our mental health perhaps isn’t as strong as we think. It can only take one thing, one event, one situation to break it. For it to crack. Be it stress from a job, a break up, a bereavement. We’ve all been through a pandemic! Something we maybe never thought we would do. The stress of that has created a lot of mental health problems. Anxiety, depression, issues we need to address and fortunately, can get help for.
The good thing is, that we are no more aware of how to treat things and how to notice the signs of problems. We can spot the signs of burnout, put things in place to help with anti burnout. Grow as a nation and a people who understand that our minds are perhaps more fragile than we once thought. Removing the previously mentioned stigma means that we can talk. We’re encouraged to talk. Please talk! Thoughts and feelings are important. Your mental health is important. Never think that it’s weak to ask for help.
The Anti Burnout Club
I’m pleased to let you know that I’ve teamed up with The Anti Burnout Club this World Mental Health Day. It’s an awesome space for you to discover many aspects of self care in a well rounded approach. You can find nutritious recipes, expert classes and workshops and so much more. Find out how you can grow, how you can get a connection, how you can focus on your physical and mental wellbeing. If you sign up today you’ll get a 21 day free trial which gives you access for the rest of October. I’m excited to try Pilates which I’ve been thinking about for ages and I want to improve my all round wellness. If you’re struggling, give it a go, you’ve nothing to lose.
Wishing you the very best this World Mental Health Day. Focus on you, your wellbeing, your recovery. You’ve got this, but know that if you struggle, which we all do, there is help available.
