On this day we reflect on what has become and increasing issue in todays society.  Mental Health awareness.

I see from clients that things are being done and grants are available to companies that specialise in tackling the issue, but theres a lot more that can be done by ourselves to help others and ourselves.

As a business owner myself, I have to keep myself healthy and motivated as I have both employees and family as a responsibility to look after. Keeping them in their jobs, secure and safe environment to work and also keeping them motivated. It can be a lonely place being head of the company with all that responsibility.

We work with a few charities in the area that help others in the community to keep everyone healthy. Breathe Creative and Growing Green both serve the community in South Wales. Teaching services users carpentry, growing their own food, sharing recipes with mental health consultation, and art classes. They have done brilliantly over the past couple of years, actively helping their community with their innovative and supportive ideas.

We have signed to the Army Benevelant Fund this year, supporting our veterans who have come out of service and are back in the community, setting up their own businesses. Assisting owners that could have OCD, Neurodiversity issues.

For the Bridgend Area we are also supporting Mental Health Matters charity support for Mental Health, Crisis Management and Depression.

As a business owner myself I would like to share some tips that have helped me for years keeping myself healthy and motivated.

Getting enough sleep is usually my first step in having a very good day ahead. I tend to settle down before 10pm with low lighting and quiet sounds. After doing what is a very busy job, I find that it keeps me in the settling down mood when I am at home.

I might watch a little TV or listen to music. A bath with candles and sounds of the sea on the sound system another great way to relax. I drink a lot of water, keeping my skin clear and my body fully hydrated. I do love a coffee and tea, but try not to drink too much.

Exercise, I’m always a fan of dancing in the kitchen whilst preparing dinner, after a hectic day, it’s a fun way to unwind and load off the stresses of the day. Yes, I still have those 1990’s dance moves.

Gardening I have transformed my garden over the past couple of years, transforming it from an overgrown unloved space. To a full set up for outdoor dining and entertaining friends. To growing my own food, using organic methods. My neighbours still find it entertaining, as I’m out there rain or shine. If there’s a job to do I’m out there whatever the weather.

Food my great passion, I am known in my family for being a feeder, now I’m growing my own food, the family and friends are being put through the experimental stage of my food obsession. Making Jam, Chutney, and dried fruit to use all year round. To strange flavoured ice cream. Always an experiment, not always successful, but everyone tries them and gives their opinion.

Walks in the country and by the beach. Picking up fir cones, and foraging, making my own Christmas Wreath, I have friends who turn mirrors into art work, with foraged shells from the sea, or sea glass.

I keep a very close family and friend network. This great bunch of people have helped me through some very tough times, and keep supporting me in everything I do. Even if some of my ideas might be a little crazy. Having that loving network you can’t put a price on that.    Finding new networks with like minded people, they bring such positive energy.

I keep to my work hours. Whatever your work hours are for you, always build in that rest time. I have two full days off a week, would love to have three days off. The future goal for me.   Having proper rest doing something completely different to your day or night job, keeps you well and keeps  you motivated.

Holidays, even if I’m just having a few days and daytrip from home, I always have holidays, time away from the office. I do it every three months. The ideas and challenges I think of when I come back, having had that rest and destress really does keep us moving forward.

Friends of mine go to the gym, do dance classes, watching football, learning to play a musical instrument, learning to skydive. Whatever hobby and interest you like, it doesn’t matter, but try and build them into your week. You’ll be so surprised how much better you become at running your business, by taking that time out and reenergising.

Don’t just do it for Mental Health Awareness day, do it everyday.

Its your life. Make it count and live well.