🌞 June's Journey to Wellness 🌞

Greetings, All!,

Where has the year gone? As I write the June edition of this newsletter, the weather is a glorious 22°C here in the UK – how lovely! I enjoyed a fabulous 40-length swim in my local pool, followed by a refreshing steam and sauna, before finishing the rest of the day. Do you have a daily routine? Please share!

This month is a busy one for me. I'm delivering an MHFA Aware half-day session to raise awareness around mental health, an MHFA 2-day course in Hull, and a business trip to Amsterdam. I would have loved to spend more time in The Netherlands, but a tight schedule doesn't permit it. I use the Day One Journal app, which tracks daily events and activities. It also prompts me daily with thought-provoking questions, like the one I received recently: "What was a funny thing that happened recently?" It made me stop and think. I could recall all the negative things quickly, but remembering something funny took me a while. It's so important to embrace joy and fun, especially in a world full of challenges.

So, I'd like to ask you the same question. Feel free to share. If something didn't come to mind quickly, like me, you might consider tweaking some part of your life or implementing something new as part of your self-care routine.

This month's edition explores the connection between holidays and wellbeing. We examine why we rush away and hope it solves our wellbeing woes and the actual cost of holidays. We also discuss the importance of companies investing in mental health first aid training and delve into the concept of The Four-Day Workweek: A Future of Work and Wellbeing. Is your company working four days? Are you already, or would you like to? So buckle up and enjoy this edition.

Remember, as Henry David Thoreau wisely said,

Best regards,

Mike Lawrence

Are You Willing To Forgo Anything For Your Holiday?

Summer is on the way, and many of us have already planned our breaks, sometimes a year in advance. But have you ever noticed how we spend more time planning our holidays than we do on our mental health and wellbeing? You might say, "Holidays help with my wellbeing," but recent studies highlight that many people return from holidays more stressed.

Mike Lawrence's explosive blog post, "Are You Willing to Forgo Anything for Your Holiday?" delves into our sacrifices for vacation time and questions about their worth. He points out the hidden stressors and financial strains that come with our quest for the perfect getaway. For instance, many people overspend by £250 or more, and many don't set a budget, often leading to financial regret.

Here are a few snippets from the article:

• "51% of respondents said they weren’t willing to forgo anything for their holiday."

• "61% overspend by £250, and 11% overspend by £500 or more."

• "Many people return from their holidays more stressed than before they left."

Lawrence's insights remain incredibly relevant as our work-life balance continues to evolve. His article challenges us to rethink our approach to holidays and encourages a more balanced investment in our mental health.

Click here to read the full article.

The Four-Day Workweek: A Future of Work and Wellbeing

Ready to revolutionise your work-life balance? Our latest article, "The Four-Day Workweek: A Future of Work and Wellbeing," explores the profound benefits of a shortened workweek. Imagine having an extra day each week to recharge, pursue hobbies, or spend quality time with loved ones. Companies like Microsoft, Shake Shack, and Unilever have successfully implemented this model. Data shows that 78% of employees report increased happiness, and 64% note improved productivity with a four-day workweek.

Are you already working four days? Would you like to? Discover how this approach can transform your professional and personal life.

Click here to read the full article.

Why Employers Should Invest in Mental Health First Aid Training

Are employers worldwide overlooking a crucial investment? In his compelling article "Why Employers Should Invest in Mental Health First Aid," Mike Lawrence reveals startling statistics: Mental health issues cost businesses globally billions annually. Lawrence highlights how Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training can transform workplaces by reducing absenteeism, enhancing productivity, and fostering a supportive environment.

Key insights from the article include:

• Impact of Mental Health on Productivity: Mental health issues account for the loss of 72 million working days each year, highlighting the critical need for supportive workplace mental health initiatives.

• High ROI on Wellbeing Investment: Deloitte's analysis reveals that for every £1 invested in employee wellbeing programs, employers can expect an average return of £5.30, translating to a 430% return on investment, underscoring the substantial financial benefits of prioritising employee health and wellness.

Curious to learn more?

Click here to read the full article.

Boost Your Team’s Resilience: Sign Up for Mental Health First Aid Training!

Mental health awareness is crucial, whether you're inspired by athletes like Kevin Love and Serena Williams, artists like Ed Sheeran, or leaders like Prince Harry and Jacinda Ardern. Prioritising mental health in sports, entertainment, and politics can transform lives. But what about in our workplaces?

If you manage a team or own a business, consider this: one in four people face mental health challenges. This statistic highlights the urgent need for robust support systems 📊💬.

Join our upcoming online MHFA comprehensive two-day course on August 8th and 9th from 9 AM to 5 PM. These sessions are designed to renew crucial skills and significantly impact your life and those around you, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate mental health issues effectively within both personal and professional spheres 🌈👥.

What You'll Learn:

• Recognising Early Signs: Identify the early symptoms of mental health issues.

• Providing Support: Learn how to provide initial help and guide someone towards appropriate support.

• Crisis Management: Develop strategies to handle mental health crises confidently.

• Building Resilience: Understand how to build a supportive environment that fosters mental wellbeing.

Why It's Needed:

With NBA basketball star Kevin Love openly discussing his mental health, artists like Ed Sheeran sharing his struggles, and leaders like Prince Harry and Jacinda Ardern, who quit her job as the Prime Minister of New Zealand, citing Burnout as the primary contributor. Advocating for mental wellbeing and mental health is a priority.

Supporting your team’s mental health can lead to a more productive, engaged, and loyal workforce in a business setting.

Don’t miss this chance to enhance your abilities and become a beacon of support in a world that increasingly recognises the importance of mental health 🚀❤️.

📅 Book your spot today and begin a journey that transforms lives—including your own and makes a lasting difference!

📝Registration of Interest

Are you looking to enhance your team's mental health support but unsure about specific dates or schedules? We can help coordinate small group training sessions tailored to your needs.

If you want to book multiple participants from your organisation or are interested in in-person training options, please message me with the number of employees and your preference for online or in-person sessions.

Let’s discuss customised solutions to fit your calendar and ensure your team gets the best possible training!

Mike Lawrence: Health & Wellbeing Enthusiast and Mental Health Advocate

Hi, I’m Mike Lawrence, dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve committed to a journey of self-improvement and helping others. My adventures range from thrilling skydives for charity to transformative travels in Thailand. I share insights from my experiences and key learnings from impactful audiobooks. Join me in exploring holistic health and wellbeing, and let’s embrace life’s adventures together!

Feel free to contact me through email at [email protected] or LinkedIn. For more detailed insights and stories from Mike, click here to read the latest blogs.