On a day that’s gained a reputation for being ‘Blue Monday’ (supposedly the saddest day of the year due to a combination of bad weather, long nights and post-festive blues) we’re renaming it Blew Monday and encouraging our colleagues to focus on their wellbeing and try a simple breathing technique that’s proven to instantly help relieve feelings of sadness and stress.
Why not give it a go…
- For a count of four, breathe in through your nose and fill your lungs
- Hold your breath and count to four
- For a count of four, breathe out through your mouth and empty your lungs
- Hold your breath and count to four
Repeat as many times as you need.
Why does Box Breathing work?
Breathing exercises can calm your body and your brain in just a few minutes and are effective in reducing stress in everyday situations. They can also bring additional benefits such as reducing blood pressure.
Box Breathing is a deep breathing technique that can help slow down your breathing, returning it to a relaxed rhythm. It works by distracting your mind, calming your nervous system and decreasing stress in your body. This clears and calms your mind and improves your focus.
One of the best benefits of Box Breathing is that no one around you will know you’re doing it so it’s a great technique to learn and practice anytime, anywhere.
Sources of support
If you’re currently experiencing stress and feelings of being under pressure, there’s sources of support available to all colleagues through Carnival UK.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Tools and resources
Also available for shore colleagues:
Shore Mental Health Champions Shore Managing Pressure Guide Shore Managing Pressure webinars
If you need urgent medical attention due to your mental health, please contact your GP, call 999, or contact the Samaritans on 116 123, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Non urgent support can be found here.