Workstation Pilates and a walk every day have helped me stay strong

Shauna Massey, AAT Internal Communications Manager, shares her wellbeing tips.

Why did you volunteer to be an AAT Wellbeing Champion?

In previous jobs, I have seen the difference between organisations that are genuine about looking after their staff’s wellbeing and those that merely pay lip service to it, so I wanted to be part of the team that helps to prioritise and promote wellbeing… and what a great team the Wellbeing Champions are! I’m also passionate about neurodiversity and helping ensure everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Have you been affected by ill mental health either yourself or by someone close to you?

I think having experience of ill mental health is part and parcel of all our lives now whether you or someone you know has a diagnosed mental health condition, is suffering from a physical impairment, has financial worries, is stressed or feeling low, for example. We are all affected in one way or another at times. One of my two daughters has autism but both struggled mentally during the early stage of the pandemic during which time they turned 21 and 18 respectively. Helping them to stay strong and to work through unhelpful ways of thinking has paid dividends for all of us as we are all more resilient as a result. They are both really thriving now.

How does work potentially affect your wellbeing?

Sitting at my desk for long hours without having a break can give me a headache and make my joints feel stiff. I follow ‘Pilates at your desk’ on Instagram and always try to regularly stretch my arms and legs. If you see me wiggling about at my desk in the office, you’ll know why. I try to take regular breaks to make a cup of tea and I try to take at least a half-hour lunch break away from my desk to recharge.

How do you try to maintain your own good health outside of your working day?

Nature, exercise, relaxing and connecting with people. Whatever the weather, I walk my dog in our local park every morning. This way I get fresh air and exercise, see greenery and hear the birds. Also, I almost always end up chatting with someone as all the dog walkers know each other. This sets me up for the day even if I’ve gotten soaking wet from the rain or snow (the picture above was taken last April when we had an unusual snow shower). Some evenings, I do Pilates or spinning and I try to swim at the weekends. I also read a lot and make sure I see friends regularly and have a laugh!

If you could offer up one piece of advice, what would it be?

Everyone says it but taking a few slow deep breaths really does make you feel calmer when you are angry, stressed or anxious. Remembering to do it is the hard part. And if I can sneak in another … many a problem can be solved when shared with someone over a cup of tea and a biscuit (or something stronger).

AAT Comment offers news and opinion on the world of business and finance from the Association of Accounting Technicians.