The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 15 – May 21) is anxiety, and we want to remind everyone of the support available for any practitioners or centre partners who may be struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression.
CompEx practitioners are often involved in an industry where they face stressful, demanding environments that can, in some circumstances, also be isolating. We recognise the toll this can have and there is nothing more important than being open about it.
With that in mind, here are some tips from the Mental Health Foundation for managing anxiety.
- Focus on your breathing
Breathing exercises can help to ground oneself when feeling overwhelmed by anxious thoughts. Consider a 4-7-8 technique, four seconds inhale, seven seconds hold, and eight seconds exhale.
- Spend time in nature
Studies have shown that whether it be something simple like tending a potted plant or something bigger like camping, spending time in nature can have a positive impact on our mental health.
- Exercise
Exercise can be a good way of dealing with anxiety. This doesn’t have to be lifting weights at the gym, it could be playing a sport, doing yoga or just going for a walk.
- Talk about how you feel
Anxiety can be lonely, and spending time with others can help to lighten this load. If you feel comfortable to open up, verbalising your anxieties to others can help to reduce their power.
This is why we will always encourage everyone to be open about how they are feeling. Whether it be with a work colleague, a friend, a family member, or with a mental health professional.
We believe that everyone deserves to be heard. To view more tips please visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/what-can-we-do-cope-feelings-anxiety