Al, thank you for writing this. This is really good, both for your openness, and your recommendations.
There’s a few things there that I haven’t considered actually, so I’ll check them out
Like you, I do the usual: exercise, nature, good routine, read, etc. But what I like was the 80s music one, and the massage one - both of which strike me as very grounding activities, linked with an ownership of what you like
It’s that ownership of what you like that really strikes me from this post, so I’ll look into that more in my own life.
Alastair - this is fantastic and one of the best things I have read on managing mental health - and you'll know from our brief interactions to date that I've read a few (and written some)!
I would echo all of the things you detail. In your massage category, in normal times (when not shielding my wife) I have a Shiatsu session every other week which is wonderful - I literal disappear into another world for an hour and feel like I am floating afterwards.
I also completely agree with your comments on counselling. It was actually my kids who got me to go first about 15 years ago and I have been going when needed since. The biggest barrier Dr Dave broke through first for me - which took a while - was when he kept saying - "you keep telling me what you are going to do about it, but I actually want to know how you feel about it."
What a heartfelt and lovely piece Alastair, thanks for sharing.
The more we talk about mental wellbeing the more people can start taking a positive approach to looking after themselves.
I've certainly found starting up my own to be pretty demanding and it's taken a very definite approach to keep on top of my mindset.
Some of the points you mention really resonate, especially nature and routine.
Riding my bike this year has been so important, I've ridden the same routes in spring, summer and winter and they have really become part of my journey.
I've also joined to local mountain biking club and it's been great sharing adventures with others! This even more important when you don't have a team in place!
Thanks again for sharing and have a fantastic Christmas break.
Al, thank you for writing this. This is really good, both for your openness, and your recommendations.
There’s a few things there that I haven’t considered actually, so I’ll check them out
Like you, I do the usual: exercise, nature, good routine, read, etc. But what I like was the 80s music one, and the massage one - both of which strike me as very grounding activities, linked with an ownership of what you like
It’s that ownership of what you like that really strikes me from this post, so I’ll look into that more in my own life.
Thank you!
Alastair - this is fantastic and one of the best things I have read on managing mental health - and you'll know from our brief interactions to date that I've read a few (and written some)!
I would echo all of the things you detail. In your massage category, in normal times (when not shielding my wife) I have a Shiatsu session every other week which is wonderful - I literal disappear into another world for an hour and feel like I am floating afterwards.
I also completely agree with your comments on counselling. It was actually my kids who got me to go first about 15 years ago and I have been going when needed since. The biggest barrier Dr Dave broke through first for me - which took a while - was when he kept saying - "you keep telling me what you are going to do about it, but I actually want to know how you feel about it."
Have a great Christmas.
Ian
What a heartfelt and lovely piece Alastair, thanks for sharing.
The more we talk about mental wellbeing the more people can start taking a positive approach to looking after themselves.
I've certainly found starting up my own to be pretty demanding and it's taken a very definite approach to keep on top of my mindset.
Some of the points you mention really resonate, especially nature and routine.
Riding my bike this year has been so important, I've ridden the same routes in spring, summer and winter and they have really become part of my journey.
I've also joined to local mountain biking club and it's been great sharing adventures with others! This even more important when you don't have a team in place!
Thanks again for sharing and have a fantastic Christmas break.