This week marks Mental Health Awareness week, and at LCRIG, we have taken this opportunity to check in with our team members, encouraging them to reflect on the ways they support their mental health and wellbeing, both within and outside of work.
We are well known for being a cheery bunch at LCRIG and whilst achieving great things is important to us, our values of laughter, family and integrity are equally as important.
A report commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation, NatCen found that nearly two-thirds of people (65%) say that they have experienced a mental health problem and this rises to 7 in every 10 women, young adults aged 18-34 and people living alone. At LCRIG, our team is made up of mostly women and all our employees fall into one or more of these categories.
So how can we look after our mental health and is laughter really the best medicine? We spoke to our team to find out.
Keely Metcalfe, Relationship Manager
“To support my own mental health, I love being outdoors and always have done as I used to ride horses. Taking my dog Deezle on a walk always cheers me up too and going to the gym. I try to eat well and make sure I’m eating a balanced diet to fuel my body and improve my mental wellbeing though I do enjoy a dominoes take away now and then!
“Spending time around friends, family and my LCRIG family, makes me smile as there is always plenty of laughing when we are together.”
Claire Noble, Business Coordinator
“I look after my mental health by taking my dog Alfie, a gorgeous chocolate brown working cocker spaniel for walks. I also enjoy reading and listening to music.
“Something guaranteed to make me smile is seeing Alfie’s tail and bottom wagging whenever I come home.”
Emily Craine, Marketing and Events Executive
“I like to achieve a balance between spending time with loved ones and allowing time for myself to support my mental health. My perfect way to ‘recharge’ is anything that relaxes me such as: having a bubble bath, listening to music, playing video games, or curling up with a good book and a hot drink! Spending quality time with my loved ones is also key for my mental well-being, such as a fun day out with friends, a cosy night in with my boyfriend or an evening out with my family!
“A good laugh with my loved ones always makes me happy!”
Charlotte (Starlot) Bromley, Events Manager
“I spend time with family and friends. I like to go for walks in the countryside and enjoy listening to the wildlife. I spend time in my garden relaxing. I always make sure that I get enough sleep, apart from when I am at events… 😊
“My daughters make me happy. Everything I do is for them. Their smiles make me smile. 😊”
Shelley Hainsworth, Marketing Manager
“Spending time with my family outdoors, playing with my children, going for walks, or attempting a bit of gardening makes me happy and helps support my mental health. I also love reading a good book and listening to music.
“Something that makes me smile is my children. They are my world and so seeing them happy makes me happy.”
Paula Claytonsmith, Chief Executive
“The one thing that makes me happy is cuddling my horses.”
Moments for Movement
One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement. Our bodies and our minds are connected. Looking after ourselves physically also helps us prevent problems with our mental health.
We hope some of the ideas our team have shared will provide you with some inspiration and motivation to prioritise your health and wellbeing. If you’d like to get moving more, visit the Mental Health Foundation website for practical tips.
Get help
If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s mental health and wellbeing, you can access help by visiting the Mind website.