Hello I hope your all well. It’s not long now till Saint Nick comes to call. I just finished all my Christmas shopping which is a relief and a disappointment too.
I love giving gifts it’s good to be sorted but on the other hand I like picking things. Only have to wrap them now. Wrapping is not my strong point. I blame my dyspraxia for the facts I can never get the stupid sellotape in the right place. Normally mam helps me but I can’t ask her to help wrap her own gift sadly…
One more thing before we move on those of you who saw my last post will be wondering and my gig at Whitley bay library went really well. It really inspired me to keep working and writing. Thanks to Elaine and Sandy for a great night.
Anyway onto the main topic of this post.
Tomorrow is the last day of Disability history month.
This Disability History month is on the theme of Health and Wellbeing. Considering the state the world is in this is now more important than ever. It’s no secret the last few years with the pandemic and the recent cost of living have made us all a bit tense. Which is like saying a tornado in your area “Is a bit of bad weather”
It important that we all look after our mental and physical health. I myself know this from first-hand experience.
My Autism affects me in lots of subtle ways. A lot of the time I feel ok. However I tend to overthink and overanalyse. I feel emotion quite acutely. This makes it hard for me at times to not let my own views affect my judgement.
There have been times in the past where I’ve put far too much pressure on myself both in my job and in my personal life. I could talk forever about both but I will focus on the work aspect today.
I used to put way too much on myself at work.
My role allows me a lot of scope these days to support equality and diversity and help.
This can make me think a lot about what I say and do. A few posts back I said it was even overtaking this blog!! Recently I have begun to relax more and not put so much on myself.
In the past I’d worry I didn’t do enough that I could have done something better. I’d think about how much I needed to do in the future. I’d worry about potential delay. This was all because I cared. I still do care. However you need switch off too.
Often in the past I have had trouble letting things go. I have asked the same question in different ways to many people instead of waiting for a response. I have overthought emails I’ve sent and have worried I’ve caused offence when I have not. It can I think be challenging for my co-workers if they do not understand why I’m processing things that way.
What has my team done to support me:
My department has done a great deal to support me. They have tailored my workplan to suit my skills. We have taken advice in the past around my skills and comfort areas and how to support me. They listen to me and regularly engage. They have also helped me with ways to track things.
I’ve always found it challenging to switch off. In an ideal world you finish work and you go home. You have your dinner, see your friends or just get on with whatever you need to do that evening like paying bill tiding up. We spend a lot of time at work but its important we make time for yourself. We are more than just employees. We all have dreams and goals not just at work. We need to leave work at work. No matter what your doing or how challenging it is. Once you finish work its your time.
It was often challenging for me personally to do this. As I say I care about things I want too help people. Let me tell you a secret:
It’s not all on you. You can only do your part. So try to take some off that weight off your shoulders. Easier sari than done. I myself carry about a rucksack worth sometimes. But I’m trying.Just do your best work hard by all means. At times work will be challenging there may not always be enough time. You may be tired. However as long as you do your best you have nothing to feel bad about. We are all part of a wider organisation and team. Remember its not all on you
I would like to finish this blog with a few tips. You may not be in work. Maybe your at college or volunteering these tips can still work:
Switch Off: As I said leave work at work. Its not always easy but do try. When you finish work.
Find a hobby or something that makes you happy. This may be harder depending on your role and hours. It is worth it though. It could be reading or walking. Or a book club. Or even just binge watching a comedy. Or seeing a local singer. No matter what your interest even if its only an hour a week. Make time for you. Relax
For me that is my writing and my running club.
Ask for help: If you are genuinely struggling at work or collect remember its ok to ask for support. If you are having trouble with your workload or if you feel you need more support you must not be afraid to talk. You are a person.
Finally I’d like to end this blog by urging you to speak up this Disability History Health and Wellbeing is so important. It literally affects us all. Its easy to shrug it off to “say I’m fine” but little things build up. If your feeling overwhelmed or like you need more support say something.
Thanks for reading