13/06/2024
ππ Loneliness Awareness Week ππ
This Loneliness Awareness Week, let's come together to shed light on the often unseen struggles of loneliness. It's a powerful emotion that can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance.
Loneliness isn't just about being alone; it's about feeling disconnected even in a crowd. It's crucial to acknowledge this feeling and reach out for support.
As an occupational therapist I've seen firsthand the impact loneliness can have on mental and physical health. By incorporating TRE (tension and trauma release exercises) I've personally found a deeper connection to myself and others.
Let's break the silence and start conversations. Reach out to a friend, a family member, or even a professional. Small acts of kindness and understanding can make a world of difference.
Together, we can create a community where no one feels invisible or forgotten. Letβs turn loneliness into connection, one step at a time. π
13/06/2024
ππ‘ Carers Week: Putting Carers on the Map π‘π
This Carers Week, we come together to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges faced by unpaid carers, and recognize their invaluable contributions to families and communities across the UK. It's a time to shine a spotlight on those who tirelessly support their loved ones, often without recognition or adequate support.
The theme for this year is 'Putting Carers on the Map.' This campaign aims to ensure that the voices of carers are heard loud and clear by politicians, employers, and throughout our communities. By increasing their visibility, we can help more people identify as carers and access the much-needed support they deserve.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure that carers are seen, supported, and celebrated. πͺπ
13/06/2024
π§ π Men's Health Week ππ§
As we observe Men's Health Week, let's take a moment to shine a light on the importance of mental health. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing every aspect of our lives.
As an occupational therapist and tension and trauma release facilitator, I've witnessed the transformative power of addressing mental health. It's crucial for men to recognise that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Prioritising mental health can lead to improved relationships, enhanced productivity, and a more balanced life.
Let's break the stigma, support one another, and promote open conversations about mental well-being. Remember, taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body. Let's grow stronger together, one step at a time. πͺ
10/06/2024
π±β¨ Grow With Love β¨π±
This week, as we celebrate Growing for Wellness Week, letβs take a moment to nurture our minds, bodies, and souls with love and compassion. As an occupational therapist and tension and trauma release facilitator, Iβve seen the profound impact of holistic healing and self-care.
Embrace growth, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Each step towards self-awareness and self-love is a step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. Letβs cultivate kindness within ourselves and extend it to others, creating a ripple effect of wellness and positivity.
Remember, growth is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, cherish the small victories, and always, always grow with love. π
24/05/2024
This evening my 11 year old was tired from a busy day and became overwhelmed trying to gather a selection of clothes to pack.
She came downstairs complaining that her eye twitching, and for the first time accepted an offer for TRE!*
*Proud mumma moment!
We laughed, giggled and connected as she began to find a language to describe the sensations felt in her body. Initially her tremor was something only she could sense in the thigh. As her connection and awareness to the "massage gun" sensation grew, a beautiful little tremor became conscious to the eye.
She then happily accepted my offer of a blanket to snuggle up and integrate.
(this was very much an impromptu shake so no time to grab the yoga mat)
24/05/2024
May AKA Maternal mental health month!
Sometimes parenting a pre-teen is a good reminder for our own self care. And where rest is an important occupation.
Us mummas are always on the go, whether that be trying to navigate a work life balance, remembering to check the hundreds of emails (and that's just from the school), ensuring you've booked everyone's dental check ups...
The list just goes on and on...
TRE (tension and trauma release exercises) is a bit of "me time" that I am never wanting to compromise on.
I've gone from someone who tosses and turns all night long, having a variety of wild and wacky dreams, to having a deep restful night's sleep. All because of TRE!
I find it easier to switch off, have self compassion for the things I may have forgotten (but had intended to do), and realisation that the important things will get done.
Interested in learning more about TRE, comment "TRE" below π
12/05/2024
TRE: Because Life's Too Short to Be Stressed
Life is too short to spend it feeling stressed and overwhelmed. With TRE (tension and trauma release exercise), you can break free from the chains of stress and embrace a life filled with joy and possibility.
Say goodbye to stress-induced anxiety and hello to a sense of freedom and empowerment.
Are you thinking:
"What is TRE?"
"How does it work?"
"Sign me up!"
Ready to take the first step towards a stress-free life?
Comment "me" to receive more information and the first to know about upcoming TRE sessions in Horsham, West Sussex.
Because life's too short to be stressed!
26/04/2024
TRE - Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises
"What does it do?"
TRE is a set of exercises which enables us to tap into our neurogenic tremors. Neurogenic tremors are our bodies primitive responses to managing and releasing stress, tension and cortisol from our systems.
Despite these being our body's natural coping mechanism, over long periods of time humans have been taught to suppress this response. Suppressing this primitive response has led to mental, emotional, physical and relational health dysregulation among the current population.
Neurogenic tremors support the bodies fascia in releasing stored up tension and chronic contraction patterns. Helping us to process emotional and physical pain without the cognitive ability or need to talk.
Incorporating TRE as a regular self care practice allows us to build a deeper connection to our sense of self, allowing reintegration, improved emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. Many people report a sense of resilience and balance. Moving from a place of feeling 'stuck' to gaining clarity through a physical release.
26/04/2024
TRE - Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises
What have I noticed since developing my own TRE practice?
*Improved sleep (massive reduction in tossing and turning all throughout the night)
*Reduced levels of anxiety and stress
*Attunement to my own needs
*Confident asserting these needs and boundaries to others
*Approaching things with more resilience
*Being more compassionate to myself
*Feeling authentic
*Stopped feeling stuck!
*Developed more meaningful interpersonal relationships and connections
18/04/2024
This afternoon the majority of our occupational therapy team spent some time together in nature, doing nature based interventions.
A colleague messaged me after work with this wonderful photo. Totally engrossed in a clay creation.
07/04/2024
Now to take 'Slowing running my way to Brighton Marathon 2024' from my bio.
04/02/2024
So it now feels official. My HeadsOn charity running vest has arrived ahead of Brighton Marathon on the 7th April.
I am running on behalf of Sussex Partnership NHS Trust charity, HeadsOn. The monies raised will be dedicated to enhance our physical activity provision via the purchase of wearable technologies at the service of which I work.
Working with individuals whom may be detained under the Mental Health Act for extended periods of time, often lack the motivation to engage in health promotion and physical activity. I hope by purchasing wearable technology we can promote individuals insight as to their movement and sleeping patterns.
I've been ambitious in the hope to raise Β£1,000 but minimum sponsorship to be raised is Β£500.
If you could donate, it would be much appreciated!
Link in my Instagram bio
03/02/2024
1) That elevation...
2) You can see where my watch decided I had completed Vs where I still had another 1.5 miles to go π
03/02/2024
When you have a half marathon on your training plan and book a trail event on the South Downs. My first ever running event.
Wow -that was both hilly and boggy!
Notes to self:
1) do not trust the distance on your watch! Especially when you have to bog hop.
2) take spare shoes for post race
3) pack more snacks!
4) it's absolutely fine to walk parts of a trail run (a whole section got backed up as everyone was walking it!)
Now I am ready for a bath! π