Mind Your Health: Advice From the Skiddle Team on Maintaining Mental Well-being

From Monday 13th to Sunday 19th May 2024, the UK observes Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign dedicated to fostering awareness and advocating for positive mental well-being across the nation.

This year, in tandem with our comprehensive survey study exploring the mental health of venue managers and event organisers, and in support of the national campaign, we’ll be sharing practical advice on how to prevent stress and burnout, to help you ensure your mental health is always prioritised. We’ll also be signposting a list of free resources, should you need to speak with someone or seek support, chatting with a host of esteemed mental health charities and ambassadors, and hearing tips from the Skiddle team in our all-new mini-interview series – “Mind Your Health”.

We’ve enlisted the help of Hannah from our social media team, Rory from our account support team and Thomas from our content team, asking each of them to answer four identical questions to help you gain a better understanding of how each person differs when managing their own mental well-being.

Continue reading below to hear what wisdom each of our interviewees had to bestow.

Rory Bamford | Account Support Executive

Can you share any techniques you use to manage stress and stay balanced during busy periods?

“Establishing a solid morning routine is key for me. It provides the foundation for a productive day ahead. By following a structured routine in the mornings, including exercise, meditation, and eating a nutritious breakfast, I set a positive tone and prepare myself mentally for whatever lies ahead. Consistency is also important as it helps to keep me focused.”

What advice would you give to event organisers and industry professionals who may be struggling with their mental health?

“Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone. Sharing your thoughts and feelings, even with a friend or family member, can be incredibly therapeutic. They may not have all the answers, and that’s alright. Sometimes, just talking things out can provide clarity and relief. Plus, you might find that many of the challenges you’re grappling with are manageable with a fresh perspective or a bit of self-reflection. Remember, you’re not alone, and seeking support is a courageous step toward better mental well-being”

How do you personally unwind and recharge after a hectic day or week of work?

“If and when there’s any juice in the social battery, I love catching up with friends and having a laugh over a pint in the sunshine, if the weather allows it. But sometimes, there’s nothing better than sticking on a good movie, turning off your phone and enjoying decent scran. It does wonders for the soul.”

Are there any specific resources or tools you recommend for individuals looking to improve their mental well-being?

“Exercise, movement and meditation. I don’t have any resources for exercise but starting slow, a simple walk in the morning, and building up to something more strenuous is always good. Don’t go ham and hate it from the start.

For meditation, consider the “Waking Up” app by Sam Harris. While it may seem pricey, reaching out to them via email could secure you a big discount, making it more accessible. I’ve found these practices, when approached mindfully and consistently, have positively impacted both my physical and mental health.”

Hannah Boggan | Social Media Assistant

Can you share any techniques you use to manage stress and stay balanced during busy periods?

“Effectively managing stress during busy periods is essential for productivity and mental well-being. I prioritise time management by breaking tasks into manageable blocks and scheduling dedicated work periods followed by short breaks to stay focused and prevent burnout. As part of the social media team, I also rely on content calendars to maintain balance and manage stress.

Incorporating downtime, particularly after work or during lunch breaks, is crucial. I consciously disconnect from work and leisure by stepping away from screens and engaging in physical activity like running or stretching, which relieves tension and recharges my energy for a mental reset.”

What advice would you give to event organisers and industry professionals who may be struggling with their mental health?

“Make time for yourself a non-negotiable part of your routine. Allocate time, daily, for activities that help you recharge and make you happy, whether that’s exercising, relaxing or spending time with friends. It is vital to incorporate time for yourself to maintain a balanced life.

Furthermore, setting realistic expectations is crucial when navigating workloads. Establishing achievable timelines and goals reduces the risk of burnout while learning to say no to tasks when feeling overwhelmed is equally important.

Additionally, seeking support from colleagues, friends, family, or mental health professionals should never be underestimated. Open dialogues about personal challenges not only provide relief but also foster a supportive environment within the industry, benefiting both you and those around you.”

How do you personally unwind and recharge after a hectic day or week of work?

“Working in social media, I struggle to set a clear boundary between work and leisure time on my phone. After finishing work, I consciously disconnect from electronic devices and engage in activities I enjoy. Regular exercise, which I’ve found to significantly improve my mental well-being, takes precedence in my post-work routine. Integrating activities I enjoy, whether it’s spending time with friends, reading or exercising, into my routine allows me to effectively unwind and re-energise.”

Are there any specific resources or tools you recommend for individuals looking to improve their mental well-being?

“In the past, I have found journaling beneficial during challenging times. Writing down how I felt served as a healthy outlet to express my emotions and relieve any stress I had building. Additionally, I incorporated gratitude journaling which allowed me to create a positive mindset by focusing on what I was grateful for and shifting my attention away from negativity. I would recommend this technique to anyone looking to improve their mental well-being. Journaling provides a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and personal growth, making it an effective tool for helping mental well-being.

Additionally, there are many mobile apps available that offer tools and resources for managing mental health, such as meditation apps like Headspace or Calm and therapy apps like BetterHelp.

Seeking support from mental health professionals can be incredibly beneficial for improving mental well-being. Many therapists offer virtual sessions, making it easier to access therapy from the comfort of home.”

Thomas Hirst | SEO Content Writer

Can you share any techniques you use to manage stress and stay balanced during busy periods?

“I think for me it’s a mix of looking after myself and making sure to balance my time between work and relaxation. The former can be as simple as eating healthily and making sure to get time on my feet or outside. But it also extends to getting some exercise throughout the week and getting away from the screen/work area.

The latter is just taking regular breaks and being strict with a cut-off post 5:30, however, that also comes with having to be disciplined during the time at the screen/at work, as having regular breaks for me means that the time working has to be focused. Creating that support and balance always helps me through a busy time.”

What advice would you give to event organisers and industry professionals who may be struggling with their mental health?

“I wouldn’t claim to know exactly what to do, but whenever I’ve had struggles with mental health the single best thing has been to talk to people about it, and it’s a lesson I’ve learnt the hard way in the past.

I now have a great and caring network of friends, family, and partners to do this with, but I understand that this isn’t the case for everyone. In this situation, I’d advise them to seek out a service that can provide an ear to listen, of which there are many.

The messaging around mental health always focuses on reaching out for a reason, and for me, support from others has always been the most important step in getting me back on track.”

How do you personally unwind and recharge after a hectic day or week of work?

“For me, unwinding and recharging come in two forms. The first is giving time to the things and people that give you energy. That could be meeting up with your mates and spending time with family, or it’s giving time to the hobbies that give you energy like making/listening to music, playing a video game, cooking, reading, whatever.

Secondly, just generally relaxing and doing nothing. I don’t think there’s any harm in being slumped in front of the TV for a night, or just being sat on your phone. It gets a bad rep but for me, I think everyone needs nights like these sometimes. Probably just best not to make a habit of doing it every night. A healthy mix of these two.”

Are there any specific resources or tools you recommend for individuals looking to improve their mental well-being?

“As mentioned, services where you can talk to someone, often anonymously, can be great for those struggling in silence. Samaritans, CALM and SHOUT come to mind. But I would also look into your local services, or industry-focused services, as they could potentially have a more nuanced outlook on your situation.”

If you’re feeling low, anxious, distressed or suicidal, text the word ‘MUSIC’ to 85258 now to receive free and confidential support, and be sure to save and share the number above with others you might know working in the industry. More resources are available at the following links:

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