STRESS AWARENESS WEEK: TIN MAN’S TOP TIPS AND INSPIRATION TO KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
By Cat Dolan, Senior Account Manager and Hearts & Minds Champion
Public Relations. A fun, creative industry which is notoriously fast paced – but, as with all jobs, it can sometimes be quite stressful.
At Tin Man, we aim to create an environment in which our people can bring their happiest and healthiest selves to work. As well as an active mental health programme, we hold guided meditation sessions, have a wellness fund to help people take part in pursuits they find soothing and regularly share sources of inspiration and advice. We’re big believers in the importance of people looking after themselves outside of work too. As Stress Awareness Week draws to a close, we wanted to share some of the ways in which our team find calm in their busy lives.
Shahira, Account Assistant: It can be hard to switch off after work so a little trick I practice is envisioning literally ‘zooming’ out of the office to separate myself physically and mentally from work and prepare for downtime.
Leanne, Associate Director: TALK. Speaking to your teammates about something that’s troubling you is such a great way to ensure that you aren’t carrying the weight of everything on your own shoulders. TEA. When things are stressful, stepping away to make a cuppa helps to break intense moments. FRESH AIR. A very quick walk outside and some deep breaths help me, and sometimes stepping away from the issue momentarily can result in better productivity. BOUNDARIES. It’s important to set boundaries and stick to them, so if a Tuesday spin class is your thing, be sure to prioritise it.
Cat, Senior Account Manager: Nothing beats an F45 class bright and early to get me in a productive and motivated headspace for the day ahead - making me feel more resilient to tackle any stress that comes my way. Walks along the river listening to music or a podcast are also one of my favourite ways to switch off and leave stress behind.
Mandy, Founder & CEO: I switch off by watching a good Netflix series or TV drama, playing tennis, Pilates, cooking, deep breathing, practicing gratitude or reading.
Laura, Account Manager: I love a bit of micro gardening - just nipping outside for two minutes of deadheading when it all gets a bit too much – it works a treat for me.
Clare, Director: Go for a power walk, outside, whatever the weather. It takes a least half an hour of energetic walking to get the blood and oxygen flowing, which helps reset the nervous system and thus find a different perspective.
Liss, Account Director - I try not to look at my phone for a good hour in the evening. I’ve also started to read before bed to avoid screen time and help me sleep.
Natalie, Director: I like to bake! And use my hands to knead biscuit dough – I find it quite therapeutic. If I’ve got a lot going on mentally, I try to get out of my head by focusing on a fiddly task that requires me to be present – like untangling necklaces. It’s the same principle as counting sheep to go to sleep, as well as being a lesson in mindfulness and being present.
Sami, Office Manager – A few tips and tricks I use are: cutting caffeine; using relaxation scented candles and oils; keeping warm with a big blanket, hot baths, and showers; a nap; removing just one task from your list that you absolutely don’t need to do that day can make the rest of your workload feel a million times lighter.
Meesha, Account Assistant: I watch something or listen to music. It’s a method of escapism and helps lift my mood and take a little bit of the stress away. Also, I have a stash of colouring books, pens, and notepads on hand for doodling and creative expression – switching to a completely different task really relaxes my mind. And I go out regularly with family and friends to remind me that even though we spend so much time at work, life is so much more, and we should go out and enjoy it.
Georgia, Account Executive – Exercise and remembering we’re too blessed to be stressed!