In policing, many things can be a source of stress. Left unchecked, we know that stress can cause mental health challenges and make existing problems worse. No one understands the premise of accepting the things you can’t control more than police officers, but what about the things we can have an impact on?
Gary Carpenter from MYM Fitness, one of BTP Federation’s member service companies, believes there are some small changes we can all make to help combat stress and anxiety.
“If you feel stressed, one of the best things you can do is get moving. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, giving us a natural high. It’s a catch-22; you don't want to exercise because you feel rubbish, but once you start moving, you feel a lot better. Depending on where you are, getting outside can be even better. There's science behind greenery; apparently, the colour green makes us feel better, and of course, the fresh air helps.
“The thing about anxiety and stress is that we worry about future events, we worry about the past, but we're never quite present. So, being in the moment is a big one, but it's easier said than done and actually, what does it even mean? It’s as simple as walking outside and listening to the sounds around you. When you focus on what’s going on around you, you don't think about anything else.
“Food can be another factor in managing stress. I've noticed it within myself. If you eat crap, you feel crap. And when you eat well, you feel pretty good, you feel energised. Again, it’s another thing that sounds easy, but it can be done, even if you’re on shift work. It’s about planning ahead as best you can.
“I've had anxiety in the past, and once you're in that zone, it feels like there's no coming out. But you can, it’s just very individual and something you have to work out for yourself. Smaller, modest changes all add together to make a big change.”
There’s more information about MYM Fitness on our website. For daily wellbeing advice and practical tips, find Gary on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.