Paul Harris

Fear and the Giant Green Rabbit.

June 29, 2018Paul Harris

FEAR:

An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.
A feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety of someone.
The likelihood of something unwelcome happening.
A mixed feeling of dread and reverence.
Be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or harmful.
Avoid doing something because one is afraid.

Fear and anxiety go hand in hand.

It’s hard for most people to understand how it feels to be so scared of something that you are unable to function, that is why it is hard for people to understand anxiety.

Dr Karl Albrecht (listed in the top 100 thought leaders in American business) believes that there are ONLY five types of fear: Read more →

A Big Change – Physically Great; Mentally All Over the Place……

June 13, 2018June 13, 2018Paul Harris

Kim and I have recently moved from Chiswick to Henlow in Bedfordshire. To say it is a massive move is an understatement; both of us have been in London for around 20 years, so moving to the countryside is a big change. While I grew up in the countryside, Kim lived in Johannesburg, so the change is something she has not experienced before.

The move has been a physical and mental challenge; there were times of joy and periods of immense stress, but in general the move has been the best thing we have ever done.

We were in a 1 bedroom flat and now have a three bedroom house with a garden! Just having space is incredible; for the first time in a long time I feel as though I can actually breathe. Read more →

Anxiety and the White Knuckle Roller Coaster Ride.

May 11, 2018Paul Harris

I’m not sure I always feel like I’m in the seat. Sometimes I’m only holding on by one hand and flying out behind the roller coaster. I don’t know anybody who doesn’t feel that way. – David Morse

Everybody experiences stress in their lives, and life is always full of ups and downs; how you deal with these challenges is important to your health, both physically and mentally.

In the past I would have said that I was pretty good at riding the rollercoaster of life, but since I have been struggling with anxiety and depression the ride has become terrifying, and I often feel that I am just going to fly off the rails and crash into the abyss.

When you suffer with anxiety and depression you forget that life has its struggles and that anxiety is a natural reaction to some situations. It is very difficult to gauge what is a normal level of stress and how much is attributed to your condition. Read more →

Sick Days are there for the Taking – The Problem of Presenteeism.

May 3, 2018Paul Harris

We’ve all been there at one time or another, struggling into work when we basically feel like s**t. We sit at our desk taking whatever medication we can, whilst feeling miserable and wishing we were at home in bed.

If you look at your contract of employment, you may find a section which refers to sickness, in particular to sick days.

Sick days are quite simple really, when you feel unwell, you can take time off to get well and still get paid! Read more →

Mental Health in the Workplace; the Statistics.

April 25, 2018April 25, 2018Paul Harris

Each year the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish statistics on work-related stress, depression or anxiety in Great Britain; having looked at the reports from the last three years, the reading is not good, and it seems as though companies are still not taking this subject seriously.

Here are some of the main summary statistics from the HSE reports for the last few years: Read more →