Ten Commandments to Reduce Stress
1. Thou shalt not be perfect nor even try
2. Though shalt not try to be all things to all people
3. Thou shalt leave undone things that ought to be done
4. Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin
5. Thou shalt learn to say “NO”
6. Thou shalt make time for thyself
7. Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly
8. Thou shalt be boring, untidy, and unattractive at times
9. Thou shalt not feel guilty
10 Thou shalt not be thine own enemy
Print them out and stick on the fridge!
These fantastic words of wisdom have been written by “Making Space” – this statement comes direct from their website:
“Since 1982, Making Space has been working with people affected by mental health conditions, and with their carers, to help them shape their lives based on their own personal aspirations and circumstances.
Today this approach is called ‘personalisation’ – something that all Making Space services strive to deliver with dignity, compassion, humanity and, whenever appropriate, a sense of humour.
Throughout England and Wales more than 800 people are directly employed by Making Space in providing the most appropriate care services to assist with the wellbeing of people affected by mental ill health, dementia or learning disabilities. These include family intervention services, employment, education and day services, supported housing, care homes, residential accommodation, clinical services, computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (CCBT) and services like training and respite breaks for carers whose lives are often deeply affected too.
We’re proud of what we do, so we’re now implementing an ambitious growth plan to extend our services across the UK. This way we’re aiming to give personalised support to many more people – not just those dealing with their own mental health issues, but the people who care for them too. It’s the kind of help we hope will allow them all to lead a more independent and fulfilling life.”
http://www.makingspace.co.uk/who-we-are-what-we-do.htm
Phoenix is the editor of this site and was diagnosed with bipolar twenty years ago. In between 8 periods of illness and hospitalisation she trained as a garden designer and was a awarded an RHS Diploma, gained a first class degree in Cultural Studies and a Certificate in Education that enables her to lecture in Recovery in Mental Health to psychiatric nurse students and mental health professionals at universities.
Phoenix leads a diverse life which she attributes to Wellness Recovery Action Planning and all aspects of Recovery. In the last 2 years she performed stand up comedy. Laughter truly is the best medicine! Now she is concentrating on being involved in improving conditions for inpatients and service receivers trustwide. And training in WRAP, Recovery Star and the new Advanced Statement and some gardening for health. Also with some great new art projects. 
