News from Mr Grady
Hello everyone. Today is World Mental Health Day, and as the wellbeing and mental health of all our community is one of our priorities for the year, it seems an appropriate day to take time to pause and reflect on how we’re all doing.
I don’t know about you, but taking the time to “check in with myself” is something I know I should do, but rarely make time for.
Generally, I know when I need to take a bit of time for reflection when my wife points out that I’ve “not been for a run in a while.” By which she means: “You’re being grumpy and need to think about what’s making you grumpy.” And normally a run will sort it out – for me, getting out in the country lanes of my village, with no headphones, just myself, the sound of my laboured breathing and ever heavier foot fall is actually some of the most peaceful time I enjoy. As I’m concentrating on my running it means I can allow all sorts of thoughts to potter through my head, but have no time to give them any weight.
In essence I process any worries, anxieties, challenges, or plans while my body is concentrating on keeping me moving.
For some of us, there would be nothing worse than suggesting a run would be the best way of “checking in with yourself” but I would heartily recommend taking the time today, not just to take the time for yourself, but to plan where you’re going to find that time at least a couple of times a week, for pause and reflection, it might not be physical activity, it might be whilst reading, watching a TV programme, by taking time for a chat with friends or family, or it might be quiet time away from everyone in a quiet space. Whatever your choice of “taking time” might be, our day-to-day lives can be such a rapid sequence of activity, that just taking the time to pause and think “how do I feel about this? Or that?” is actually very healthy indeed.
Sometimes that’s just all we need: A bit of breathing space.
So please do take time on World Mental Health day to take a bit of time for yourself. I can promise it will be time well spent! Even thinking about it is making me reach for those running shoes…
Best wishes,
Mr Grady