Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

Written by Donna, Cedars Derby Centre Manager

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Loneliness’.

This week is a reminder to check in on friends and family to see how they are doing. Contact that friend that’s gone quiet or that you haven’t heard from in a while. Life gets busy but its always good to reach out.

During the pandemic I was re-assigned to work with some vulnerable people. I saw first-hand what affect loneliness can have on a person. I feel fortunate that I had the chance to make a small difference to someone’s day. I learned that it was often the smallest gestures like taking time for a chat, listening, and making a pot of tea, that had the greatest impact.

And how about you? How are you doing? The pandemic has affected us all in different ways.

We are now focused and driving forward, looking to live our lives again without restrictions, life is exciting again, but this may not be the case for everyone.

How many clients have you spoken to that are still scared or feeling isolated, or maybe they are caring for someone vulnerable?

The time our clients have with us maybe the only time in their week, whereby they switch off and have just a little time for themselves.

We are so important in our role, we listen, encourage, care, and give time.

Time is the most valuable thing you can give to someone. It is so precious and can change someone’s whole outlook.

Be honest, how much time do you give yourself?

So, this is a reminder, that yes, you are important too, that you are the professionals and always do our best for everyone that come into our salons, spas, and clinics.

The reminder is that your health and wellness is valuable too. I want you to think about how much time you had for you today.

Did you take time away from your desk to get some fresh air?

How much water have you had today?

Did you take time to sit and enjoy your lunch?

Is someone checking in on you too? Give yourself permission to take time for yourself.

As a beauty, sports, or complementary therapist’s, we know how good our clients feel following their treatments.  When you are in this industry, you know that it isn’t always just the physical action of our therapies that promote healing but the psychological effects too.  We are there for people in our professional role.

The upliftment and subtle changes are always clear for us to see in our work, but not always for ourselves.

So how can we change this? For me I use the following:

• Take time every day to get out in nature (For our health and Vitamin D, we need to expose our hands and face to 20mins of natural sunlight, even on a cloudy day).

• Get everything you need to do out of your head and onto paper, or technology. (It doesn’t have to make sense or be perfect at this point).

• Focus on one day at a time. (Yes, we need to plan for the future but just for now, take a step back and prioritise what needs to be done today and if this is overwhelming take it hour by hour. Its so nice when you look at what you can achieve in this time).

• Don’t put tasks off until later, deal with them first thing when you are focused.

• Plan your free time (there is something motivating about having something nice to look forward too).

• Have a to do lists and a big highlighter pen, there is nothing more satisfying than crossing things off your list.

• Celebrate the little things, acknowledge the small achievements.

• Ask for help or delegate, recognise when you need assistance.

• Do what makes you happy (have a regular treatment, spend time with friends and family, read, walk, bubble bath, learn something new).

• Take time to talk to someone close to you, if time is limited send a message or write a letter, yes I know its old school, but surprisingly therapeutic and a great way for me to keep in touch.

Remember – Life happens, what you are feeling is real, acknowledge it. We are human, give yourself without judgement, permission to feel how you are feeling. Speak to someone you trust, importantly speak to someone.