Mental Health Awareness

Anyone who knows me fairly well knows that pre-covid I spent half my time on a badminton court – training, club, league, county, tournaments, coaching, volunteering, you name it, I did it.

It’s safe to say that after a year out, my first proper training session back was pretty tough. A year of minimal exercise, poor diet, and inactivity had had more of an effect that I would like to admit.

Whilst it was my physical fitness that was particularly noticeable, it would be naïve of me to think that my mental health hadn’t suffered also. For me, badminton wasn’t just a way of keeping fit, it was sociability, stress relief, a routine, and goals outside of work.

When Covid hit last March, all of this came to a grinding halt. Whilst I enjoyed the rest and recovery time at first, my lack of focus on positive habits eventually led to days without leaving my flat, struggling to get out of bed, and feeling deflated. I gained weight, didn’t speak to some of my friends for weeks at a time, and didn’t spend enough time doing the things I enjoyed.

Whilst I can look back now and feel that I’m in a much better place, there’s still a lot of work for me to do (especially on the lockdown weight!).

The past year has highlighted to me that it’s important that we look after ourselves – not just physically but mentally as well. Mental health is fragile and has a huge impact on daily life.

Social connectivity is something that can help. So, whilst I appreciate it’s not much, I would like to offer a ‘helping hand’ to any of my friends, family, colleagues, or contacts who need support. If you’re feeling down, need someone to talk to, or could quite simply use a good chin-wag, let’s have a chat. Don’t suffer in silence.

You can reach me on 07723 211 291.

I warn you in advance, you will hear me talk about badminton.

Look after yourselves and take care. Let’s get through this together.