Feel Good Works

Feel Good Works Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Feel Good Works, Consulting Agency, Great Portland Street, London.

Feel Good Works is a Workplace Wellbeing consultancy based in the UK

06/02/2026

We're having an early spring clean to clear the decks.

Our problem is we can't find something so someone buys a cheap new one but nothing gets thrown away. (Typical Neuro-spicy household)

I want to go scorched earth and get rid of half of everything. Current negotiations are going OK, thanks for asking.

05/02/2026

Time to Talk Day matters.

Not because talking fixes everything, but because silence lets problems grow until they are expensive, painful, and avoidable.

In healthy organisations, conversations about pressure happen long before people go off sick or walk out of the door.

So today, skip the slogans.

Ask one decent question, and LISTEN properly to the answer.

What still stops people speaking up in your workplace?

04/02/2026

I bought a boat off eBay...

03/02/2026

What’s the ROI?” is the most common boardroom question I hear about wellbeing.

Fair question.

The mistake is only counting the cost of programmes and ignoring the cost of stress already on the books.

Absence.
Turnover.
Agency cover.
Lost experience.

If you are not measuring those, you are flying blind.

Which cost worries your board most right now?

03/02/2026

Most organisations have an invisible line around what feels safe to talk about in the boardroom.

Stress, burnout, legal duty, psychosocial risk.

My work is helping companies move that line.

If you want straight talking about workplace wellbeing, UK law, and what boards should actually be asking, you are in the right place.

What topic do you want me to tackle first?

It seems the great return-to-office debate isn’t just about desks and water coolers, it’s becoming a full-blown battle o...
20/12/2024

It seems the great return-to-office debate isn’t just about desks and water coolers, it’s becoming a full-blown battle of the spreadsheets. And the numbers? They’re not looking good for Return to Office (RTO) mandates.

A 14% increase in employee departures? Ouch. Longer hiring times and a drop in hire rates? Double ouch. And the fact that it’s disproportionately affecting women and skilled workers? Well, now we’re just into 'shooting yourself in the foot' territory.

Here’s the thing: flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic advantage. Forcing people back into offices they clearly don’t want to be in feels like trying to squeeze toothpaste back into the tube. Spoiler alert: it gets messy!

The lesson here? A happy, engaged workforce is a productive one. If employees feel trusted and supported, they’ll show up for your business; whether that’s in person or over Zoom in their favourite slippers. Let’s focus on wellbeing and flexibility, not mandates and misery. After all, a great resignation beats a grumpy commute any day.

https://fortune.com/2024/12/11/return-to-office-mandate-employees-study/

When S&P 500 companies discouraged remote working, skilled employees quit—leaving hard-to-fill vacancies for employers.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴A day to pause, reflect, and appreciate the things that bring me...
28/11/2024

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴
A day to pause, reflect, and appreciate the things that bring meaning to our lives. My Mother-in-Law is American and introduced this holiday into our family culture, and while it might not be a traditional holiday for everyone in the UK, the idea of gratitude is universal – and it’s a practice worth embracing, no matter where you are.

Gratitude isn’t just about the big things; it’s about noticing the small moments, the quiet joys, and the people who make life brighter. It’s about taking stock of what we have, even on the days when it feels like life is moving too fast to notice.

𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗜 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸.
Like the way a conversation with a friend can shift your whole day, or the quiet satisfaction of completing something you’ve been putting off. Even the rhythm of a morning routine can be a small act of self-care, one that deserves to be noticed and appreciated. These moments might not make the highlight reel, but they matter.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗮, 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘆..
…found that practising gratitude regularly can reduce stress, improve emotional resilience, and even boost physical health. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply pausing to reflect on three positive moments each day can rewire the brain to focus on the positives—a kind of mental training for spotting the good amidst the chaos.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀?
Here are some simple ways to bring gratitude into focus, not just today, but every day:

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹: Write down one thing you’re thankful for every morning. It could be as simple as the first sip of coffee or the kindness of a stranger.
𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝘁: Take a moment to tell someone you appreciate them. A quick message, a handwritten note, or a heartfelt thank-you can mean so much.
𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁: Gratitude isn’t just about the past or what you have—it’s about noticing what’s good in this exact moment.
𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Be grateful for how far you’ve come, even if you’re not where you want to be yet. Every step matters.
𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸: Gratitude grows when shared. Whether it’s helping a colleague, volunteering, or just offering a listening ear, giving to others amplifies the good.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸
Thanksgiving is a perfect reminder to pause and appreciate the people and moments that make life meaningful. So, today, take a moment to breathe, reflect, and celebrate the good in your life. And if you’re reading this, know that I’m grateful for you—for connecting, engaging, and being part of a community that values kindness, reflection, and growth.

What are you grateful for today? Let’s share some gratitude and keep the positive ripples going.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱! 🌍💖As we reflect on t...
20/11/2024

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆, 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱! 🌍💖

As we reflect on this special day, I’m reminded of how crucial it is to balance our personal and professional lives—especially when it comes to nurturing the next generation. In our busy workdays, it’s easy to forget that every child deserves love, attention, and a safe environment to thrive.

Let’s take a moment today to think about how we can contribute positively—not just in our roles as leaders or colleagues but also as mentors and caregivers. Whether it's volunteering at local schools or simply making time for family activities, small actions can lead to meaningful change.

I’d love for you all to share your thoughts on how we can create a better world for our children while maintaining that essential balance ourselves. Together, let’s inspire each other! 💬✨

13/11/2024

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🌍💙

Today’s the perfect time to think about how small acts of kindness can completely transform our daily lives. In the workplace, kindness often takes a back seat to deadlines, targets, and never-ending to-do lists. But it only takes a moment to connect, show compassion, or lend a hand, and it doesn’t just make someone else’s day better; it makes ours better too. When kindness comes from leaders, it’s especially powerful - it inspires everyone and builds a workplace culture that genuinely supports wellbeing.

𝗔 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 ☕✨

I’ll never forget a kind gesture from a colleague years ago. I was having one of those ridiculously busy days, totally caught up in a whirlwind of urgent tasks. Out of nowhere, my colleague Laura popped by with a cup of tea - no reason, no expectations, just because she noticed I looked stressed. That small act meant the world to me; it was a reminder to pause and breathe. It reminded me that kindness doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes, it’s the tiniest gestures that have the biggest impact.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 🌱👥

When leaders lead with kindness, it spreads. A kind leader listens, acknowledges their team’s efforts, and shows empathy in small, everyday moments. These actions build a strong, positive culture where everyone feels valued and ready to support one another.

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 📊💪

Research from the University of California, Berkeley shows that acts of kindness at work improve team morale, reduce stress, and increase job satisfaction. Kindness creates a lasting positive ripple effect that builds a stronger workplace culture.

𝟱 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 🌈

𝟭. 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲’𝘀 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 – A quick “thank you” or a shout-out in a meeting can make someone’s day. It shows appreciation and encourages others to keep going.

𝟮. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 – If someone looks down or stressed, take a few minutes to ask how they’re doing. Leaders who listen set the tone for empathy across the team.

𝟯. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 – If a colleague is overwhelmed, offer to take on a small task. It shows, “We’re in this together.”

𝟰. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀 – Recognise little achievements. It’s not always about the big goals; it’s about celebrating progress.

𝟱. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Send a quick message, share a compliment, or bring someone a cup of tea. These small actions can make a huge difference.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿! 💌

If today’s message resonates with you, think of one small act of kindness you could do—for a colleague, friend, or even yourself. Small acts may seem minor, but to someone who needs it, they can mean the world. Let’s spread some kindness today and see how far the ripple goes! 🌊💙

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆? 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲! 🌧️  Ever have those days where you just feel... off? Not down-and-out, just ...
12/11/2024

𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆? 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗔𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲! 🌧️

Ever have those days where you just feel... off? Not down-and-out, just a little heavier, a little more irritable, a touch more "ugh" than usual? I've been there the last couple of days. It’s nothing major, but it's not nothing, either. And that's totally normal.

🧠 Mind UK tells us that recognising and accepting these low moods is actually a proactive step toward better mental health. It's about letting yourself feel without judgment. So, if you’re like me, riding out a blah wave, here’s how to be a little kinder to yourself:

1️⃣ 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝘁: Say it out loud, jot it down, or tell a friend. Recognising your feelings can be incredibly freeing.
2️⃣ 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 "𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝘀": Stop 'should-ing' yourself into guilt. Would you be this tough on anyone else?
3️⃣ 𝗗𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹: One small act of kindness towards yourself can shift the whole day. It's OK to give yourself quality.
4️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁: A quick chat might just be the boost you need. It’s not always about deep talks; sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
5️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆: This mood will pass. Remind yourself that brighter days have been there in the past and WILL be ahead.

If you're feeling low, remember it's part of the journey, not a permanent stop. 🛤️ And if it lingers, reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Drop a comment or DM to share how you cope with those off days. Your story might be the nudge someone else needs today!

🌈

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 '𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴' 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 - 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴We all know stress—me, you, and even the gatepost h...
06/11/2024

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 '𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴' 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 - 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴

We all know stress—me, you, and even the gatepost have all experienced it in the form of hectic schedules, tight deadlines, and that endless balancing act between work and life. So, today on , let’s ask: what small changes can we make to ease the load right now?

This year’s theme, ‘Reduce Stress, Improve Wellbeing,’ keeps it simple (thank you, ISMA!) because stress reduction doesn’t need drastic lifestyle overhauls. It’s often about simple, manageable steps—sometimes even going back to things we used to do but somehow stopped.

𝗜’𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘁, 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗻𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀
I’ve been that person running from one responsibility to the next, convinced a ‘quick break’ was a luxury I couldn’t afford. But here’s the twist: every time I actually stopped and took a breath—whether it was a walk, a chat with a friend, or a power nap (and I *love* a power nap)—it did more than recharge me; it shifted my perspective. These small moments of relief add up, helping me feel more balanced and present. It’s not just good for me—it’s good for everyone around me. A classic win-win.

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗽
A study by the American Psychological Association found that even short breaks throughout the day can reduce stress by up to 30% and significantly boost productivity. These mini-breaks are like a brain reset, without needing a week-long holiday.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴?
Whenever I speak on stress, I’m always asked, “What are your top tips?” My honest answer is, I don’t have any—yet. Stress isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding what works for 𝘆𝗼𝘂. That said, here are simple habits that can help:

𝟭. 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲: Take a few minutes to breathe deeply. Try 7/11 breathing—inhale for 7 seconds, exhale for 11. It’s a small act, but it makes a big difference.

𝟮. 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲, 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳𝗹𝘆: Stretch, take a walk, or just shake out the tension. It’s not about exercise; it’s about shifting your energy. Step out of the doing and into the being.

𝟯. 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀: Big projects can overwhelm. Divide them into smaller actions, and celebrate each win. It builds momentum and reduces stress.

𝟰. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Reach out to a friend or colleague. Social support relieves stress and reminds us what matters. People need people.

𝟱. 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Information overload spikes stress. Set boundaries by turning off notifications or dedicating specific times for news. Work tech-free timeouts into your day.

𝟲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁: Seriously, that’s it. We tend to ‘should’ ourselves into stress—“I should be coping,” “I should have done more.” Stop ‘shoulding’ all over yourself and remember, even rockstars have bad performances.

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸...
If today’s theme resonates with you, think about one or two of these changes that could work for you. Reducing stress doesn’t mean overhauling your life; it’s about building habits that create moments of calm and connection. Curious about more ways to reduce stress and improve wellbeing? Reach out or connect with me. Sometimes, the most powerful changes start with a small step.

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸Before we start, my daught...
04/11/2024

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗼 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗻 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸

Before we start, my daughter told me that my articles didn't really sound like me and I should write more in my voice and not like I'm on my best behaviour at an afternoon tea. So, I apologise if it won't be as polished, but it's the real deal, which is one of the themes of today's article - being real with oneself.

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸

This week, 4th-8th November, is ISMA's International Stress Awareness Week and the theme is 'Reduce Stress, Improve Wellbeing'. This reminds me of my first real encounter with unmanaged stress when I was in in my mid-twenties.

When you’re 25, full of energy, and trying to conquer the world, stress isn’t something you take seriously - until it hits you like a tonne of bricks. I was working at a video production house, teaching at a further education college, finishing my degree, and juggling a young family. The idea of 'pacing myself' was practically non-existent - I wasn't 'weak', I was invincible! I thought I could push through anything, barely sleeping and ignoring (but probably ignorant of) every hint that my mind and body needed a break. As it turns out, this approach wasn’t sustainable, and I paid the price with a full-blown burnout.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲...

I vividly remember hitting a wall once the demands of university and college teaching eased up. The stress didn’t just go away; it simply flattened me - I had been running up a tab and it was time to pay. I spent the next six weeks stuck on the sofa, unable to summon the energy to do much of anything. In hindsight, my warning signs were clear - exhaustion, irritability, and a general sense of emotional numbness. But at the time, I was so used to pushing myself that I ignored them. In my mind, ‘tired’ was just part of life, right? Looking back, it’s easy to laugh at what a wally I was, but at the time, it felt like I’d hit rock bottom.

𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘀, 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

A study by Mental Health UK in 2022 found that 59% of employees in high-stress roles reported feeling “emotionally drained,” with many facing periods of extreme fatigue and mental overload. The ICD-11 classifies it as an Occupational Health Hazard - but burnout isn't purely a work problem. For those who ignore their personal warning signs, burnout can lead to presenteeism, an extended absence, and a long road to recovery. This is where proactive self-care and stress management make a measurable difference.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲?

If I could give my younger self advice, it would be this: listen to those around you and be honest about your limits. However, at 25, would I have listened?

Taking a break isn’t 'slacking off', and saying ‘no’ can be an act of strength. After my experience, I made it a priority to identify my personal warning signs and respond to them. I now practice simple strategies like prioritising rest, tuning into how I’m feeling, and making time for things that recharge me. A balanced approach to work and wellbeing doesn’t just prevent burnout; it builds long-term resilience and engagement.

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀?

If you’re feeling the pressure, I encourage you to take stock of your stress and prioritise your health. Let’s explore strategies that keep stress manageable and prevent burnout.

I've made some free resources at https://feelgood.works/free-resources/ that I'll be adding to throughout the rest of - let’s make wellbeing a priority in a way that works for you.

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