What is your approach. Are you a marathon kinda person or do you do life in sprint style?

As a therapist I have lots of conversations with clients, sort of makes sense right because of the nature of the work. One of the most common is about them feeling better. I love these. It is one of the hopes of the job. I do approach them with curiosity though, it's all for good reason I promise.

 Why? Well, there are a few reasons first the power of being heard; is a space to say what needs to be said without it being filtered or checked for how PC it sounds or comes across. This is great, in many it offers such a release.

We all know feelings come and go I suspect that some weeks clients' question if they still need the therapy space or if the work here is done. They feel they have what they hoped for. 

Clients enter the therapy room at their usual time the following week. This week it's almost like a river flowing; thoughts feelings, and frustrations that have been kept contained under the surface since our last appointment. We sit together and talk things through, and there is a chance to begin to understand some more of those hidden feelings and their impact on conversations, how we behave and how we are around other people.

We have all been guilty of wanting something yesterday. That new gadget or the latest game. Almost before we even knew we wanted it.

Mental health is a marathon and not a sprint. Yeah, we want to be done already, not only because some of the conversations or awareness we develop feel painful. We also all know we need to be in the mindset where we are taking care of our pennies what with the rising cost of living.

 I believe our mental health is something we take day by day. There will probably be days we feel more resilient, full of I've got this attitude. I don't doubt this because there are days I too have felt this. The steps we take feel easier than others, whilst on other days, the steps we take we take a lot from us.

I completely understand where you're coming from

 Some days, we all need a safe space where we can be ourselves all the layers of protection. on other days, we feel confident and in control. It's perfectly okay to feel both vulnerable and strong, and I'm here to support you through all your ups and downs. 

I understand this, I get that some days it is so important to have that safe space to be totally you, vulnerable you without all of the layers of protection and others days you join me with an I've got this vibe. 

I've got your back - I understand that everyone has their own pace, and that sometimes we need to switch things up to better suit our needs. That's why I offer weekly, bi weekly and monthly appointments.

Do you need some support with your mental health and feeling better . I can support you. 

When thinking about little people in our lives we give thought to needing that chill out time, to cool off and then start again what about this space as adults?

I read an article about adults and their those about taking leave - having time out..
The ones who -  book their time off without about a week of their new allowance to make sure they don't miss their time out. This not you?

The ones who  - barely take their holiday and towards the end of the year they feel like they are playing a game of Russian roulette to see how much  can  be squeezed into the last  few weeks. Some will have the belief that rest and work-life balance are overrated, some that If we look a little deeper into what might be going on here. 

Are you filled with anxiety around the workload on your return or do you have that burning desire to please those around you. Finding yourself ' just checking your emails around the dining table. Those on the other side see  time out as a much-needed reset with their out-of-area firmly on whatever the weather.

Time off is needed for the health of all, for the health of the people and for the business 
What are your thoughts on this?

It makes sense to me but not always easy for some of the reasons mentioned above. I am a perfectionist who is a work in progress so I always have loads left over.

Personally in my day job because I work shifts I tend to have a couple of days off together so do coffee dates and catch up but it's not without knowing I need to be out and working at a set time. It's not the same as a complete switch off 'taking the helpline worker hat off, putting the laptop and computer away preferably for me in a hard-to-reach. There's lots to choose from then I hear you say.
Last week I had a week off. I've taken the time to do things in environments that I thrive in. If you've seen my social media blogs. I'm an avid Crufts fan. I've socialised and even promoted therapy where I can. 
I've focused on eating well, resting and getting over a cold.

I am feeling much brighter, ready to get back at it and face the challenges that arrive, with energy and problem-solving skills.

When not giving thought to our energy, what is using it and how it can be replenished it can deplete quickly. We can get sucked into the negative energy and vibes of colleagues, who are too running on fumes. 

A break means we can be proactive in supporting those around us to manage their stress and build a more positive and friendly environment. A win-win 

Moving forward I make the following commitment
1) Book at least 2 days a month off
2) check in with me weekly - how am I emotionally where is my stress level on a scale of one to ten
3) Remind myself that time off does not need to wait until big ventures, fun-filled days or big plans 
4) Bring me back to some of the memories of this week and the quieter moments when my  mind has been rested 

What commitment will you make to time out. If you need support help getting started. Please do get in touch 

Our emotions often go together with our behaviours

If we are feeling angry our primal instincts would have been to ‘go into survival mode’ to attack physically or verbally.  We can contain ourselves, manage these reactions and find another way. Society tends to give a kick in and influence us. We tone it down.

When we are feeling depressed we might stay indoors because socialising is the last thing we want to do. We can't think of anything worse than being a ‘Debbie Downer’. These are some of the automatic behaviours we fall into when being led by our emotional urges.

Have you ever been there... I know I have.

 Whilst these feel the best ways of handling the situation in the short term, in the long term not so good. 

Even if it's through gritted teeth go gently with those who have pushed our buttons. Let's react differently, Instead of giving in to anger, become gentler and more patient with them. 

When it comes to low mood instead of missing out and isolating ourselves Perhaps we recognize that staying indoors and avoiding social situations isn't always the best approach. In fact, maybe it's time to embrace a more 'you-friendly' way of socializing. What do you think?.


 Focusing on the opposite urge until you are ' less emotionally charged'. Over time we will begin to let go of our automatic urges. It will take a little time for the 'older urges' to see there is another way. Stick with it - it works honestly.

Follow these four steps 

1) Recognise natural urges - What happening for me?

2) Think effectiveness - What is likely to be the outcome?

3) Go gently - What the oppose to the emotional urge 

4) Check your charge - How much emotional change is around

I know that emotions can feel tricky - mine still do some days you are in good company. I love helping clients to find new ways of balancing their emotions rather than feeling consumed by them. If you are interested in working with me. Please get in touch

Life gets busy and so do we.

Are you someone who knows where you want to be, maybe you have a clear view of your goals in life. Are you the one who promises yourself that you will invest in yourself, your relationship and building a life you can smile about when you look in the mirror or during the long overdue catch-up with friends?

We often give ourselves a hard time when we have setbacks or things don't go to plan. It brings me back to a quote I once heard and have carried with me through life. 'Nobody promised it would be easy but they promised it would be worth it'

This is where accountability comes in. When we take responsibility for our actions things begin to change. 

I support clients who want to live a life that aligns with their goals. 

Are you ready to achieve your goals and hold yourself accountable along the way? Here are some tips to help you get started! 

First,  Telling someone you trust about your goals can be the fuel that starts the journey, having agreed timeframes and targets and checking in with them regularly about where you are at and what's next.
it keeps us on our toes. It's like your Mum checking you've done your homework. The adult way.

Accountability is fuel. Nothing will keep you moving any more than the possibility of your buddy asking how our latest goal or project is coming along. It can be the difference between feeling something is mediocre or marvellous. 

Be clear about what you want to achieve and break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you can easily track your progress and stay motivated to reach your objectives. 

Block out time in your schedule or create a routine with dedicated time for working towards your goals. Consistency is key when it comes to accountability, so stick to your plan as much as possible. 

I also believe that with the right mindset and approach, anything is possible. Let's work together to figure out a plan that works for you and helps you achieve your goals while also taking care of yourself.

What would you like to say the next time you are asked ' Are you alright buddy?'