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Rise to Mental Wellbeing: An MOT for your mind




Today, we're putting on our mindfulness aprons and diving into a topic that's as essential as that perfectly risen dough—mental health.


Yes, we're urging all you marvellous people out there to embark on a mind MOT and seek support when needed. After all, even the best of us need a little TLC for their minds too!


Picture this: countless people battle mental health issues every day, silently waging a war within themselves. It's like trying to bake the perfect cake without a recipe or a clue. But worry not, we've got some enlightening information that'll make you laugh, nod your head in agreement, and most importantly, take care of your precious mental wellbeing.


According to a survey by Kalms, a herbal medicines brand (we all know herbs are the secret ingredients of life), anxiety hits hardest among people in their twenties and thirties. Shockingly, 70% of respondents reported anxiety affecting their work and relationships, while 80% felt its impact on their social life. Well, anxiety, you've overstayed your welcome! It's time for us to kick you out, and we'll do it with a touch of humor and a dash of mindfulness.


Now, don't underestimate the gravity of excessive, persistent anxiety. It's like that stubborn sourdough mound that just refuses to rise—you know something deeper is going on. Anxiety can really cramp your style, hindering focus, productivity, and energy levels. It's like trying to frost a cake with shaky hands. But fear not, dear bakers! We've got some quirky yet practical steps to give your minds a much-needed MOT.


Step 1: Sweat it out – Exercise is your secret weapon against anxiety. Think of it as kneading your worries away. Channel those tense feelings into physical activity, and let the rush of endorphins leave you feeling relaxed and as clear-headed as a master baker. Start small if you're new to it. Even a 5-minute walk packs a punch. Trust us, it's time to shake off those anxious crumbs!


Step 2: Journal your way to freedom – Grab your trusty spatula... err, pen and paper. Carve out time in your day to jot down your thoughts and feelings. It's like whisking away those mental distresses and uncovering the root causes and triggers of your anxiety. Journaling paves the way for more comfortable conversations, just like sharing your favorite recipes with fellow bakers.


Step 3: Breathe deep, find calm – When your mind races faster than the speed of light and your heart pounds like a mixer on full blast, it's time to take control. We've got a secret ingredient for you: deep breathing. Activate your body's relaxation response by focusing on slow abdominal breaths. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. We call it 'box breathing,' a heart rate reducer and thought gatherer. It's like a baking technique that brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony.


Step 4: Embrace nature – Ah, nature, the baker's secret ingredient for tranquility. Did you know that areas with abundant tree canopy correlate with lower anxiety, stress, and depression? It's true! So, put on your favorite oven mitts, step outside, and take a leisurely 50-minute walk in a natural environment. Watch your anxiety and rumination fade away, just like those dough troubles that vanish in the oven.


Step 5: Share your burdens with people you trust – Anxiety loves to play tricks on our minds, trapping us in negative thought spirals. But guess what? We've got the perfect way to break free. Confide in a trusted friend or professional, like that mentor baker who always knows how to fix a baking disaster. Gain an outside perspective, learn effective management strategies, and shatter the isolation that anxiety tries to impose.


Don't let anxiety call the shots in your life's recipe. Take charge of your mental well-being today! Remember, there's a whole world of support out there, just waiting to sprinkle a little extra happiness into your batter. And who knows, by embracing your mental health journey, you might just discover new flavors and experiences that elevate your baking game to new heights!


Stay mindful, stay joyful, and bake on, my friends!


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