I got a new Mandalorain mug recently - yes, Grogu is one of my heroes; small, wise and immensely powerful - what's not to like? (I am a total Star Wars nut...)

As you may know, last week was Mental Health Awareness Week.

This year it's theme is Anxiety; they provide some good top tips here.

But.

Before we dive headlong into the top tips...

...first we need to stop and notice.

How are we doing?

How are you doing?

Pausing to listen is the essential first step.

If you are doing well - excellent! More power to ya.

If not - thats fine too, it's OK to not be OK ... and then please get help.

But how to ask?

With ourselves, our colleagues or kids it can be tough to actually start that conversation.

Making space is key.

Asking the colleague if they fancy a cuppa. Or giving yourself time - maybe writing a journal, doing something creative or getting out into nature.

Then ask - "how are things going?" - and pause to listen.

Often the first response is that socially conditioned reflex - "I'm fine".

So it can help to ask again.

Give your full attention to the answer. If you are writing in your journal - make a time when you won't be interrupted.

Pudsey (the Children in Need mascot bear) has this tip for talking to kids - but my sense is it's a good one for adults too -

Simply ask "how are you feeling about...?"

or

"What difficult things are you going through at the moment?"

So - here's a question for you.

How are things going for you?

Click here to learn more about retreats

Fresh Ideas for You

Still time to join the next 4 day retreat!- click here for more.
More on Mental Health Awareness week here.
If you are a healthcare professional in need of help - Practitioner Health has loads of resources - click here.
Explore conversation starters from the Children in Need website here.
I'm really looking forward to running my Creative Writing for Wellbeing workshop at this wonderful event!