Managing Anxiety

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Returning to work with confidence after extended time off

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Returning to work with confidence after extended time off

Returning to work after extended leave can bring up a real mix of emotions.

Whether you have been away because of illness, bereavement, caring responsibilities, parental leave, burnout, mental health concerns, redundancy, a career break or another life event, returning to work can feel like stepping back into a world that has carried on without you.

There may be new systems, new people, new priorities, new expectations or simply a lot of information to absorb. At the same time, there can be quiet pressure to appear “fine”, “back to normal” or able to pick up exactly where you left off.

But returning well is not about proving you can cope immediately. It is about giving yourself enough clarity, support and realistic expectations to find your way back gradually.

Here, guest writer Trisha Gudka shares how to build your confidence, energy, and manage the mental load through small, actionable steps.

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How to start a conversation about mental health at work

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How to start a conversation about mental health at work

Today marks Time to Talk Day, a day recognised by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in support of ending the stigma that still surrounds mental health.

While we’ve come a long way in taking mental health issues seriously, sadly there is still a stigma attached to the term ‘mental health’. Whether that’s in the form of embarrassment, shame or denial, the reality is it can prevent individuals from either acknowledging their own mental health concerns, or talking about it openly with others.

Particularly in the workplace, it can feel difficult to be vulnerable and open up in a psychologically safe, supported space, as this is deeply dependent on the surrounding workplace culture.

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15 simple, quick ways to calm nerves at work

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15 simple, quick ways to calm nerves at work

Feeling nervous is a natural reaction to something that instills a little fear in us - perhaps a big presentation, a pitch opportunity, or a promotion meeting that you set up with your boss.

That being said, feeling nervous can get in the way of performing at our best. It’s why we’re looking into the effects of nervousness in today’s Calmer guide, and the quick and easy ways to calm your mind and body in order to perform well, whatever your upcoming hurdle.

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How to help a friend who is struggling with their mental health

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How to help a friend who is struggling with their mental health

Supporting a loved one through mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, however even small gestures can make a meaningful difference. If you're wondering how to help a friend with mental health concerns, the most important thing you can do is show up with patience, kindness and an open mind. You don’t need to have all the answers — listening and offering a safe space can go a long way.

Whether your friend is experiencing anxiety, depression or another challenge, learning how to help a friend with mental health problems can ensure you offer the right kind of support while also taking care of yourself.

Ahead of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, in which the national theme is “Community”, this week guest writer Beth Rush returns for her fourth article for Calmer, sharing an overview of different mental health conditions, effective communication strategies to help a friend in need, and practical ways to offer them support.

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The link between mindful eating and better health

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The link between mindful eating and better health

Many people have heard of mindful eating, and for some, it is an entirely new concept. What is it? What are the three R’s of mindful eating? How does mindful eating contribute to a healthier lifestyle?

Learning about this new way of looking at your food intake begins with a mindset shift, which results in multiple benefits to your overall health and wellbeing.

This week, Beth Rush returns with her third guest blog post for Calmer to explore what mindful eating is all about. Here, Beth shares simple and effective strategies to enable you to enjoy this beneficial practice, and highlights how it contributes to better health.