News

E.G.LEWIS GROUP TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

7 MAY 2019 14:20

It’s almost Mental Health Awareness Week – the campaign will take place from Monday 13th to Sunday 19th May 2019.

Mental health problems can affect anyone, any day of the year, but this week is a great time to have a chat with a friend, family member or colleague and have think about your own wellbeing too. You could even join one of our campaigns to help make sure no one experiences a mental health problem alone.

Exploring relaxation can help you look after your wellbeing when you’re feeling stressed or busy.

Relax your body

When you’re stressed, your muscles might be tight and tense. This exercise helps you notice tension in your body and relax your muscles.

Lie down or sit with your back straight and your feet on the floor. Close your eyes or focus on a spot in the distance. Start by clenching your toes as much as you can for a few seconds then releasing them. Notice the difference between the two feelings.

Match this to your breathing. Tense your muscles as you take a deep breath in, and relax as you breathe out. Move up your body, clenching and relaxing each muscle. Take time to notice any parts of your body that feel tense, tight or tired. You can repeat if you still feel tense. Take a moment to relax, then slowly and gently begin to move. When you feel ready, you can stand up slowly.

How to use relaxing exercises

You can use these exercises when you’re feeling stressed, busy or worried. Don’t worry if one technique doesn’t work for you – try it a few times and, if it doesn’t feel effective, move on to a different exercise.

You can use relaxation techniques regularly, or every once in a while.
Try and make some time in your day to try these exercises. Don’t treat relaxing like a task that needs to be completed – try to think of it as giving yourself some time and space.
Find somewhere quiet and comfortable where you won’t be interrupted, if you can.
Make sure your surroundings are the right temperature – it can be hard to relax if you’re too hot or cold.

Try active relaxation

Relaxation doesn’t have to mean sitting still – gentle exercise can help you relax too. You can

Look for a class like yoga, Pilates or gentle stretching.
Take a walk, going at your own pace. You might choose to go for a longer walk, but even a few minutes of walking can help you feel relaxed.

Having signed an employer pledge with Time to Change Wales, we are committed to changing the way we all think and act about mental health in the workplace.

So on the evening of Wednesday 15^th we have arranged an employee walk on Aberavon’s beachfront in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.