I have just delivered a
workshop on “Practical Ways to Deal with Stress” today to a lovely group of
service users at Rethink, who are part of Mental
Health Action Worcestershire. They are a representation and support service for
those who may be experiencing poor mental health or on the road to recovery and
need support and guidance.
This was an extremely positive experience for me as a meditation
practitioner and reinforced why I work as a work/life balance Coach and
Meditation Practitioner – it is the most rewarding job.
As a qualified
Probation Officer, Coach and Meditation Practitioner, I have worked with a
significant number of people experiencing poor mental health and understand that
stress can be a contributing factor and that trying to get the right support for
your own mental health can also be very stressful. In our workshop, we also
discussed at length, the number of ways that we can often self medicate effects
of stress such as drugs, smoking, alcohol and food – but these are not long term
solutions and will exacerbate any existing mental health
condition.
Our focus was
on enabling individuals to access both practical and emotional tools to deal
with stress and anxiety, particularly when experiencing difficulties with mental
health. To see people who have tried everything else recognise how meditation(
if taught in a way that they can access), can help them every day of their
lives, is both uplifting and motivational. What a great bunch of people who
also taught me an awful lot about personal resilience in this
workshop.
This is some of the feedback: “I
learned skills to help me to relax and spend time on. Recommend this as a most
helpful way to relax and alleviate stress. The course and tutor were
excellent. A great taster”.
“I found it very helpful in
focusing the mind and enjoyed different techniques taught and group
discussion”.
Many of the participants would
like to join a meditation and mindfulness course and I really think this should
be available to them on prescription via their GP, Psychiatrist, CPNS and other
support services. It’s inexpensive compared to other treatments, easy to fit
into one’s life and life changing and long lasting. It is also extremely
effective used alongside other treatments and medication as long as delivered by
a trained and experienced practitioner. I really hope to see an increase in
mindfulness and meditation being made available to a really deserving group of
people.
If you want to know more how we can help you with worshops, seminars, courses, one to one coaching visit our website for more details.
www.workandlifebalance.co.uk
Mandi Bishop
office: 01905 26312 Mobile: 07950 453458
