Empowering Yourself to Manage Anxiety this Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week is recognised every year in May. This year in 2023, it is scheduled from the 15th May to 21st May and the theme is anxiety. The UK is currently facing enormous levels of stress and anxiety due to personal financial challenges, cost of living crisis and the current economic climate. It is important to raise awareness and talk about measures to manage a healthy level of anxiety to prevent it from becoming a mental health problem in the long run.

Awareness Days and Weeks are a great way to reinforce the importance of wellbeing, offer support and help your employees and associates cultivate the habit of taking care of themselves on a regular basis.

If your company doesn’t already have a dedicated Annual Wellbeing Strategy, the Mental Health Awareness Week is a great opportunity to offer some of the initiatives that support the mental health of your employees and show them you care for their wellbeing.

And if you missed the Mental Health Awareness Week, consider any other suitable week and make it your Company’s Wellbeing Week!

Giving, sharing, building warm relationships, connecting with nature, being creative and appreciating the present moments are some ways that give us a sense of purpose & belonging, make us value ourselves more and feel happier.

FOR EMPLOYERS/ORGANISATIONS:

Here are a few ideas around these themes that you can consider to organise during a Wellbeing Week:

1. Organise sessions of Yoga, Guided Meditation and Massages for employees, spread throughout the week
2. Present Wellbeing Gift Hampers to employees filled with self care goodies
3. Makes teams participate in volunteering activities together. This is a great way to build strong team relationships.
4. Host 90 minute Workshops on Stress Management & How to take care of your mental health
5. Organise healthy cooking sessions
6. Go for a team walk to a nearby Park during lunch time
7. Organise an outdoor team activity to experience fresh air and connect with nature
8. Organise a creative activity like a Painting or a Pottery Session to enhance  creativity
9. Encourage managers to have 1:1 Check Ins with their team members

FOR INDIVIDUALS:

Here are a few ways in which you can create your own toolkit to manage anxiety:

1. Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing, can help activate the body's relaxation response and calm the mind.
2. Engage in regular physical activity: Physical exercise is known to boost mood and reduce anxiety. Engaging in activities such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing can help release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators and stress relievers.
3. Maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle: Pay attention to your overall well-being by adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoiding excessive use of electronic devices. Taking care of your physical health can positively impact your mental well-being and help manage anxiety.
4. Practise mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help shift the focus away from anxious thoughts and promote a sense of calm and presence. Engage in daily mindfulness practices, such as mindful breathing or body scans, or try guided meditation apps.
5. Seek support and engage in self-care: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals who can provide support and understanding. Additionally, prioritize self-care activities that you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, taking baths, or pursuing hobbies. Taking time for yourself and engaging in activities that bring you joy can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

It's important to note that if anxiety persists or significantly interferes with daily life, seeking professional help from a mental health practitioner is recommended.

Wellbeing & Self Care are no longer a luxury. They are essentials to live a healthy, productive & fulfilled life.

Need help with supporting your wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of your employees. Check out our diverse range of wellbeing products on our store and the Corporate Gifting Page to curate customised, thoughtful Gift Boxes of your choice and budget for your valued employees.

We also offer Wellbeing Services such as Chair Massage, Yoga and Meditation Sessions that can be seamlessly incorporated in your Wellbeing Week.

Click here to know more.

Contact us at reachus@expressmobilespa.co.uk to talk more about your requirements and how we can support your vision.