Mind your language
Translator in a former career, my linguistic antennae were twitching at the sight of a paper titled: Perspectives on the insidious nature of pain metaphor: we literally need to change our metaphors
Throbbing, gnawing, shooting, blinding, searing, stabbing, torturing, burning, stinging…..
Ever noticed the language we use when talking about pain? Damage and damage control dominate the lexicon of pain. Slipped discs, joints seizing up, wear and tear. We wage war on pain semantically: pain is the enemy, we fight disease, the body’s defences, doctor’s orders, invading pathogens. Pain scientists say we need to literally change our metaphors to improve recovery outcomes and stop promoting the persistence of pain.
Mental Health Awareness Week, 13-19 May 2024
Unless you’re sat under a stone, you’ll have likely seen a post or two about Mental Health Awareness Week, which happens around this time every year. Supported by the Mental Health Foundation, this years’ theme is about getting moving to promote and support mental wellbeing.
And moving is such an important part of being human. Getting outside, letting the air whoosh into your lungs, you really feel alive. The feel good endorphins are awash, released by our neurotransmitters and we can feel amazing. You know that feeling when you don’t want to go on that run / cycle ride / class / walk and yet feel amazing for having done it? That’s the one.
Rediscovering the Benefits of Returning to the Office
As the world continues to cautiously navigate its way out of the pandemic era, discussions about the future of work are at the forefront of organisational agendas. While remote work has undeniably proven its efficacy, there's a growing realisation of the invaluable benefits associated with encouraging employees back into the office environment. Beyond mere productivity metrics, this shift signifies a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, encompassing physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions.
Wellbeing in the Workplace: Top Ten Tips
There are many ways we can still maintain and invest in our own wellbeing in the workplace. Ten simple tips as a kind and timely reminder that we really can support our wellbeing wherever we are.
Getting on your nerves?
Today’s blog post, we will explore the parasympathetic nervous system and how we can work with it to promote a restored sense of wellbeing.
The parasympathetic nervous system forms part of the wider autonomic nervous system and is often referred to as the ‘rest and digest’ aspect of the nervous system, compared to the sympathetic nervous system which is aligned with the ‘flight or fight’ response. While the sympathetic nervous system gears us up for action in times of stress, the parasympathetic nervous system steps in to promote relaxation, digestion, and restoration once the threat has passed. So it’s no surprise that the constant high stress levels often experienced at work create the perfect conditions for burnout and nervous system overwhelm.