R U OK?

Most of you won’t know this, but I have a background in mental health nursing. Whilst I love our family business, my first passion is, and always will be, my work as a health professional.

 

Right now, the world is going through a crisis in more ways than one. It’s hard to escape from it. People are suffering. People are sad. People are stressed. People are burnt out. People are lonely. Here in Melbourne, the mood is understandably low.

 

On R U OK day (10th September), I wanted to remind you to check in on each other. Connecting with someone might help them, but did you know that it can help you too? Connection with our loved ones can reduce stress and improve our mental health. R U OK Day is also a great time to take a few moments to focus on looking after ourselves. Read on for more ideas about how to manage stress and burnout...

 

1/ Move. Yep, you heard that right - get exercising. Run, walk (at a good pace), dance, do power yoga... whatever floats your boat.

 

2/ Connect. Hug your spouse, hug your little ones, hug someone in your bubble. Really hug them. Hold them tight and hug them them for as long as you can. Feel the love.

Laugh. Really laugh until you cry. Be silly. Laugh as often as you can with those you love. Watching a funny movie is great too.

Talk and listen. Use all of that wonderful technology we have to remain connected to your nearest and dearest. Then turn off that technology and talk to your family or those right in front of you... at dinner, whilst playing, whenever.

 

3/ Sleep. Our bodies need rest. Make sure you prioritize rest. Turn off those screens half an hour before bed, dim the lights, have a warm milk, have a warm bath, pop on some cozy PJs, read a book. Prepare yourself good night’s sleep.  

 

4/ Breathe. This is one of the best things we can do to control our nervous system and become grounded. Breathe deeply, slowly and mindfully, focussing just on your breath.

 

5/ Eat well. Enjoy a well balanced diet. Drink lots of water. And throw in treat or some thing delicious to please the soul.

 

6/ Notice. Pay attention to the small and beautiful things around you - the feel of the sun on your skin, the bright blue sky, the smell of flowers, the smell of cut grass, the laughter of children, that first sip of morning coffee. The world is full of beauty even at the most difficult times.

 

If you or a loved one needs professional support, please seek help. Beyond blue is a great place to start:

 

https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/?utm_campaign=hp_banner

 

Click here to learn more about how to ask R U OK?

 

https://www.ruok.org.au

 

We are thinking of you our Minnie and Me tribe. R U OK?

Kristy xo 

Reference list;

Burnout. The secret to unlocking the stress cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski.