Clearfocus Training

There’s currently a huge buzz on social media about a "winter reset" or "locking in" as we’re transitioning from autumn to colder winter months; and the clocks going back next weekend.

There’s a growing push for individuals to focus on pursuing their personal goals or being consistent in the gym to achieve their "body goals". I think this trend is gaining traction as we approach long, dark and cold days of winter; which can make some people more prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). So, having a good routine and keeping busy can help keep the blues at bay.

I get to interact with people of all ages and from different walks of life in both psychotherapy and in training, so I get to explore the effect that Mental Disorders such as 'SAD' can have on individuals.

Symptoms of 'SAD' include:
- Persistent low energy and fatigue
- Mood changes, experiencing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or irritability
- Change in sleep patterns
- Change in appetite
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
 
Part of my job is to help raise awareness about Mental Health issues, which can often be overlooked. So I feel it is important not only to look after ourselves, but also that we all feel comfortable talking about these issues, especially in the workplace.

There definitely has been a societal shift, with more people having these conversations and there’s less stigma around mental health. However, 45% of employees still feel uncomfortable discussing mental health concerns with their managers due to fearing negative repercussions. This shows that there’s still a bit more work to be done to break down the stigma.

Personally, I try and keep the blues at bay by staying active and going on long walks on the Moors with my family.

Do you experience any of these symptoms? How do you cope with the long autumn/ winter season? Would love to engage with any of your thoughts in the comment section!🧣🍂🌧️

Stress is something we all experience and for some, it may stem from work deadlines or personal challenges, while for others, it could come from unexpected changes or family dynamics. Stress is a highly individual experience; therefore what feels overwhelming to one person might feel manageable to someone else.

Very often, when I work with companies, I find that participants in training react differently to each other’s examples of stress. One person might find a busy workday exhilarating, while another might feel completely overwhelmed by the same situation. This variation in perception means that stress is not one-size-fits-all —it depends on individual coping mechanisms, experiences, and thresholds. Understanding this variability is the first step toward managing stress in a way that works for you.

How to mitigate workplace stress:
🔹Acknowledge it: Recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed and take steps to address it.
🔹Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue about stress and mental health. Employees should feel comfortable sharing when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
🔹Supportive Leadership: Managers can help reduce stress by offering support, setting clear expectations, and recognizing when employees need a break or reduced workload.
🔹Encourage Regular Breaks: Taking short breaks throughout the day can help employees recharge and improve focus.
🔹Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to set boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout.
🔹Mental Health Resources: Providing access to mental health support, whether through counselling services or stress management workshops, can help employees cope with pressure.
🔹Physical Well-being: Encourage physical activity and healthy habits, such as exercise and good nutrition, to combat the physical effects of stress.

Stress is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be detrimental. By fostering a culture of awareness and support, organisations can help employees manage stress more effectively, leading to improved well-being, better productivity, and stronger team dynamics. What strategies have you found effective in managing stress at work?

We recently found ourselves on 📍Harley Street in London delivering our ‘Assertiveness - How to build your personal power’ workshop to the team from The Giaroli Centre.

Harley street is a prestigious healthcare capital of central London, offering top-class specialist care to the UK public. I am pleased Clearfocus Training can be one of the contributors to change and help in preserving workplace wellbeing.